SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5690

As of February 27, 2001

Title:  An act relating to revocation of driving privileges.

Brief Description:  Revoking driving privileges for alcohol violations until the person is age twenty‑one.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Hochstatter, Kastama, Eide and B. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  2/13/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786‑7755)

Background:  In 1988, the ?minor in possession@ law was passed by the Washington State Legislature.  Among other things, it revokes a juvenile=s driving privileges when he or she is found by a court to have committed a violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act or the Legend Drugs - Prescription Drugs chapter.  A juvenile is defined in statute as any individual under the chronological age of 18 years.  Concern exists that this law has sent an unintended signal to those individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 years that it is acceptable for them to possess liquor.  Proponents of this bill believe that if someone between the ages of 18 and 21 is drinking alcohol or taking drugs, that person is not responsible enough to be driving a car.

Summary of Bill:  In all situations in which the Department of Licensing must revoke the driving privileges of a juvenile, the term ?juvenile@ is replaced with ?person@ or ?person under the age of twenty-one.@  The department must revoke driving privileges in situations where there has been a violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, the Legend Drugs - Prescription Drugs chapter, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act or the Imitation Controlled Substances Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 9, 2001.

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