HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2576

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Commerce & Labor

Title:  An act relating to trade name registrations.

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions concerning the registration of business trade names.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Sommers and Veloria; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Commerce & Labor:  1/31/00, 2/2/00 [DP].

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$Modifies the provisions regarding the registration and changing of a trade name.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Clements, Republican Co-Chair; Conway, Democratic Co-Chair; B. Chandler, Republican Vice Chair; Wood, Democratic Vice Chair; Hurst; Lisk; McIntire and McMorris.

Staff:  Pam Madson (786-7166).

Background:

A trade name is a name under which a person identifies his or her business or vocation.  A trade name does not include the use of an individual's surname, registered corporate or partnership name, or the name of a general partnership.  If a person is conducting business under a trade name, he or she must register the trade name with the Department of Licensing. 

The registration of a trade name must be made by specified individuals: the sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship, a general partner of a partnership, or the officer of a corporation.  Such persons must "execute" the registration by signing in their official capacity and under penalty of perjury.

An executed document is also required in order to change a trade name or change the mailing address associated with a trade name.  However, the amending document does not have to be executed by any specified individuals.  Changes may be made by an agent or employee of the business. 

The cancellation of a trade name does not require an executed document.  Only notice must be provided to the Department of Licensing to cancel a trade name.

Summary of Bill:

The registration of a trade name no longer must be made by specified persons.  An executed document is not required for the registration of a trade name.

The changing of a trade name or associated address does not require an executed document.  Changes may be made by filing a notice of change with the Department of Licensing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The signature requirements for trade name registration under current law are unnecessary.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Nancy Skewis, Department of Licensing.