SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6129

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 10, 1992

Brief Description:  Requiring new residents to register their vehicles before getting a driver's license.

SPONSORS: Senators Patterson, Vognild and McCaslin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6129 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Erwin, Hansen, Madsen, McMullen, Oke, Skratek, Snyder, Thorsness, and Vognild.

Staff:  Brad Lovaas (786‑7307)

Hearing Dates: January 30, 1992; February 10, 1992

BACKGROUND:

New residents to the state are allowed 30 days from the time they become residents to obtain a Washington driver's license and motor vehicle registrations for all vehicles they own.

A person becomes a resident when they live in the state on more than a temporary basis.  Evidence of residency includes, but is not limited to:  1) registering to vote; 2) receiving benefits from a Washington public assistance program; 3) obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates.

There are many incentives for new residents to obtain a driver's license which range from general identification purposes to check cashing.  The Washington driver's license fee is $14 for four years.

The fees charged for registering a motor vehicle for a new resident include:  1) an out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection, $15; 2) basic registration fee, $27.75; 3) 2.2 percent of value according to the state depreciation schedule; and 4) agent or subagent service fees.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) shall not issue a driver's license to any person who is a new resident unless that person has obtained a Washington registration for all vehicles they own.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Rule-making authority for the Department of Licensing is added.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Clark Holloway, DOL