SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1576

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to dismissal of citations for failure to provide proof of insurance.

Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to dismissal of citations for failure to provide proof of insurance.

Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Kirby, Newhouse and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 3/26/03, 3/27/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Brandland, Johnson, Kline and Roach.

Staff: Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background: All drivers of cars registered in this state are required to have liability insurance and are required to carry proof of such insurance. All drivers are required to show proof of insurance upon the request of a law enforcement officer.

Failure to provide proof of insurance is a traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of $250 or by community restitution.

If a driver subsequently presents proof that he or she was in fact covered by insurance at the time of the request for proof, the infraction will be dismissed. If the proof is submitted by mail, the court may assess a $25 administrative fee to cover the cost of the dismissal. However, the driver may also present the proof in person to the court, in which case there is no statutory authorization for an administrative fee.

Summary of Bill: If a driver appears in person to request dismissal of a failure to provide proof of insurance citation, the court may assess an administrative fee of $25.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill does not change the duties of the courts. It is an equitable revision to the code in that it authorizes courts to charge the same administrative fee to people who appear in court to ask for a dismissal as people who submit proof of insurance coverage by mail and ask for a dismissal.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Melanie Stewart, District and Municipal Court Judges Assn.