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.

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:

• A subagent who is planning to retire within twelve months may recommend a successor without resigning by notifying the appropriate county auditor vehicle licensing agent and the Department of Licensing (DOL) in writing.
• The county auditor must let the subagent know within 60 days if the recommended successor would be considered in the open competitive process. When responding, the county auditor must outline any negative factors or deficiencies regarding the current subagency operation and/or the recommended successor.
• The subagent may withdraw his/her letter of intent to retire any time prior to the start of the open competitive process.
• The county auditor must give great weight to a recommended successor who has demonstrated the ability to operate a vehicle licensing office.
• If the county auditor recommends someone other than the recommended successor to the DOL, the current subagent and the recommended successor may request a review of the county auditor's recommendation. This review process must be developed under the direction of the Title and Registration Advisory Committee, a committee formed by law to foster communications between the legislature, the DOL, county auditors, and subagents.

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.