SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6427

                    As of January 25, 2000

Title:  An act relating to identifying rebuilt vehicles.

Brief Description:  Identifying rebuilt vehicles.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Haugen, Costa, Eide, Oke, Benton, Rasmussen and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/25/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Ziegler (786-7316)

Background:  A vehicle is considered a "salvage vehicle" when the owner of the vehicle or an insurance company surrenders the certificate of ownership to the Department of Licensing (DOL) because the insurance company declared the vehicle to be a total loss.  Insurance companies must report the vehicle to DOL and surrender the title within 15 days of the settlement of a claim.

In 1996, the Legislature required the Washington State Patrol to inspect all rebuilt vehicles under six years of age.  DOL must place an indication on the certificate of ownership indicating whether the owner rebuilt the vehicle.  Additionally, the Washington State Patrol must affix or inscribe a marking at the driver's door pillar indicating that the vehicle has been destroyed and rebuilt.

Summary of Bill:  A vehicle is a "salvage vehicle" when it has been previously declared a total loss as reported to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.  If a vehicle is declared a total loss as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Washington State Patrol must affix a marking at the driver's door pillar indicating that the vehicle has been destroyed and rebuilt.

By July 1, 2002, the Washington State Patrol and DOL must report to the Legislature regarding the number of vehicles inspected and declared to be salvage between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2001.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 17, 2000.

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