Washington State
House of Representatives
BILL
ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1581

Brief Description: Revising the authority of a vehicle licensing subagent to recommend a successor.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Schindler, Jarrett, Dunn, Woods, McCune, Wood, Ericksen and Rodne.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Modifying the process for the appointment of a vehicle licensing subagent successor.

Hearing Date: 1/16/06

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Under current law, the Department of Licensing (DOL) appoints county auditors to perform vehicle licensing services. The DOL may also appoint subagents within a county, under the recommendation of the county auditor. Currently there are 44 county and 135 subagent vehicle licensing offices throughout the state.

Subagents are appointed through an open, competitive process conducted by the county auditor. At a minimum, the process must include a written business proposal and oral interview in order for the county auditor to determine the applicants' qualifications. The county auditor submits all subagent proposals to the director of the DOL and recommends the appointment of one or more subagents. The director of the DOL has the final appointment authority.

When a subagent resigns or retires, he/she may recommend a successor who is a sibling, spouse, child, or employee. This person must participate in the open, competitive process with any other applicants for the subagency appointment.

Summary of Bill:

The process for the appointment of a vehicle licensing subagent successor is modified as follows:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.