SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6386

                    As of February 2, 1998

Title:  An act relating to notice of actions against drivers' licenses.

Brief Description:  Notifying employers of driver's license suspensions.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Horn, Heavey, Fairley, Goings, T. Sheldon, Schow, Oke and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/5/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Paul Neal (786-7315)

Background:  Many employers have employees in positions that require possession of a valid driver's license.  If an employee's license is suspended, the employer does not receive a notification of that suspension.  This can result in the employer unknowingly sending unlicensed drivers out onto the road.

Under current law, an employer can ask for an abstract of an employee's driving record by paying a $4.50 fee and obtaining the employee's written consent.  The abstract is a one-time status check and does not entitle the employer to notification of future license suspensions or revocations.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Licensing (DOL) must notify an employer when an employee's driver's license or commercial driver's license is suspended, revoked or canceled.  In order to qualify for notification the employer must provide DOL with:  (1) notification of the employee's identity; (2) a statement that the employee's position requires possession of a valid driver's license as a condition of employment; and (3) a copy of a release from the employee.  The employer must notify the department if the employee no longer is in a position requiring a valid driver's license.

If the department notifies an employer of a license suspension, then it must notify the employer if the person's license is reinstated or if the person is issued an occupational driver's license.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 28, 1998.

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