HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 EHB 1254

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to the destruction of driving records.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting destruction of driving records for alcohol or drug‑related offenses.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sterk, D. Sommers, Carrell, Mulliken, Delvin, Chandler, O'Brien and Bush.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Law & Justice:  1/29/97, 1/31/97 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  02/28/97, 96‑0;

Passed House:  1/12/98, 93-0.

Senate Amended.

House Concurred.

Passed Legislature.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives Sheahan, Chairman; McDonald, Vice Chairman; Sterk, Vice Chairman; Costa, Ranking Minority Member; Constantine, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carrell; Cody; Kenney; Lantz; Radcliff; Sherstad and Skinner.

Staff:  Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background: Courts are required to keep conviction records on traffic law violations.  The statute requiring that these records be kept does not specify the duration of the requirement.

Summary of Bill: Courts are required to keep records of drunk driving convictions permanently.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 29, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  These records provide valuable information to law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in making charging, plea bargaining, and sentencing decisions.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Sterk, prime sponsor.