FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 6187

                          C 212 L 98

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Adding penalties for alcohol offenders.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Stevens, Oke, Schow, Benton, Zarelli and Swecker).

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  The Department of Licensing is authorized to cancel a person=s identicard or suspend or revoke a person=s driver=s license under certain circumstances specified in statute.  A person whose license is suspended or revoked due to a violation of the laws pertaining to driving under the influence may seek reinstatement of the license or a new license after the passage of the suspension or revocation period by showing proof of financial responsibility and payment of a reissue fee.  In addition, the department determines eligibility for licensing based upon reports provided by the alcoholism agency or probation department regarding the person=s enrollment and participation in an approved program.  A person whose license is revoked must also successfully pass a driver licensing examination.

Summary:  A person who seeks a new driver=s license after having had his or her license suspended or revoked due to a conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs must pay a reissue fee of $150.

The impaired driving safety account is created.  Sixty-three percent of the revenue generated by the increased reissue fee is deposited in this account and 37 percent of the revenue is deposited into the highway safety fund.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 36 13

House     93 1 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House         (House refused to recede)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  June 11, 1998