SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2576

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Judiciary, February 25, 2000

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:  Judiciary:  2/24/2000, 2/25/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Kline, Vice Chair; Costa, Goings, Hargrove, Johnson, Long, McCaslin, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Kline, Vice Chair; Costa, Goings, Hargrove, Johnson, Long, McCaslin, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  The registration of a trade name with the Department of Licensing does not have to be performed by specified persons associated with the business.  Also, the person registering the trade name does not have to sign the document

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:  This is a simple bill to get rid of the requirement that you must have a signed document to apply for a trade name.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Nancy Skewis, DOL (pro).