SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5009

                    As of February 15, 1999

Title:  An act relating to occupational drivers' licenses.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to occupational drivers' licenses.

Sponsors:  Senator Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  2/17/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  Under current law, a person who has been convicted of an offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of the driver=s license is required, other than vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, may apply to the Department of Licensing for an occupational driver=s license.  The department will not issue an occupational driver=s license for the first 30 days of any suspension or revocation period.  A person is eligible to receive an occupational driver=s license if he or she has not committed any offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation is mandatory within one year prior to the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction.  In addition, within seven years of the present conviction, the person may not have committed the offense of DUI, vehicular homicide, or vehicular assault.  The applicant for an occupational license must be engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential he or she operate a motor vehicle and satisfactory proof of financial responsibility must have been filed with the department.

Summary of Bill:  One of the possible qualifying conditions for an occupational driver=s license includes the applicant showing that he or she is undergoing substance abuse treatment or participating in meetings of a 12-step group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Department of Licensing must describe the qualifying circumstances of the occupational driver=s license and state the specific hours of the day during which the person may drive to and from his or her home.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 15, 1999.

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