FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1604
C 193 L 97
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Clarifying advertising requirements for limousines.
Sponsors: Representatives Cairnes, O'Brien, Radcliff, Hankins, Mielke, K. Schmidt, Fisher, Mitchell, Skinner, Johnson, Hatfield, Buck and Clements.
House Committee on Transportation Policy & Budget
Senate Committee on Transportation
Background: In 1995, legislation was enacted to clarify the jurisdictional responsibility for the regulation of taxicabs, limousines and luxury cars. The regulation of limousines was transferred from the Utilities & Transportation Commission to the Department of Licensing (DOL). The department regulates entry, equipment, chauffeur qualifications, and operations. No rate or route regulation may be imposed. In addition, the Port of Seattle regulates limousines with regard to entry, chauffeur qualifications, operations, and equipment at SeaTac International Airport; cities, counties and port districts may regulate taxicab companies with regard to entry, rates, routes, safety and equipment.
A limousine carrier must use the unified business identifier (UBI) when advertising and specify the type of service being offered (stretch limo, executive sedan or van, or classic auto). The UBI is the business license number issued by the DOL, similar to a building contractor's registration number. Limousine operators are required to list their UBI when advertising in the alphabetical listing and display ads in the yellow and white pages of the telephone book. Building contractors have the option of omitting the contractor's registration number and displaying only the name, address and telephone number when advertising in the alphabetical listing.
Summary: A limousine carrier is not required to use the UBI when advertising in the alphabetical listing in a phone directory. (The UBI would still be required when advertising in a display ad.)
Votes on Final Passage:
House970
Senate420
Effective:July 27, 1997