Title: An act relating to authorized emergency vehicles.

Brief Description: Authorizing background checks before an authorized emergency vehicle permit is issued.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, McDonald, Eickmeyer, Holmquist, Wallace, P. Sullivan, Roach, Morrell and Sells.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/06, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/06, 2/27/06 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Benson, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Eide, Esser, Finkbeiner, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Sheldon, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein.

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Under current Washington State Patrol (WSP) rules, any person, firm, corporation, or municipal corporation desiring to have a vehicle registered as an authorized emergency vehicle must apply to the WSP for the classification. The WSP is responsible for screening applicants for authorized emergency vehicle permits. The WSP may deny permits for individuals who have been convicted of a felony during the ten years preceding the date of the application if the felony directly relates to the specific occupation, trade, vocation, or business for which the permit is sought.

Summary of Bill: The WSP must require a record check, including a fingerprint check, of all applicants and drivers for an authorized emergency vehicle permit. Applicants and drivers may be employed on a conditional basis pending completion of the investigation. Applicants, drivers, or employers must pay the costs associated with the record checks.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: This bill is needed to ensure that the WSP may appropriately screen applicants for authorized emergency vehicle permits through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's record system.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Jeff DeVere, WA State Patrol.