Brief Description: Changing hearing procedures for violations of commercial motor vehicle laws, rules, and orders.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Jarrett, Haigh and Armstrong; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Hearing Date: 2/7/05

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) administers a program of terminal safety audits for commercial motor vehicles to insure compliance with state and federal law. The WSP may assess penalties for violations that it discovers during these audits, which become due for payment upon assessment. If the penalty is not paid within fifteen days or if an application for remission or mitigation is not made within fifteen days the Attorney General must bring an action in Superior Court to recover the penalty.

Summary of Bill:

If the penalty assessed or an application for mitigation or remission is not received by the WSP within fifteen days of assessment, the attorney general must commence an adjudication proceeding under the Administrative Procedure Act to recover the penalty.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2005.

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