HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6885
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to abstracts of driving records.
Brief Description: Expanding the list of persons and entities that may acquire driving record abstracts for certain purposes.
Sponsors: By Senators King and Swecker.
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/26/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/08, 95-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Dickerson, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) maintains a case record on every person
licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Washington. These case records or abstracts contain
information relating to a person's driving record, including:
Washington law restricts the distribution and use of abstracts. Certified abstracts may only be released to specified persons, including:
A full abstract may be released to the individual named in the abstract, an employer or agent,
prospective employer or agent, or a city or county prosecuting attorney. A partial abstract
may be released to specified insurance companies and alcohol/drug assessment or treatment
agencies approved by the DSHS.
Information may only be used for specific purposes, depending on who requests the abstract.
For example, an abstract provided to an insurance company may only be used for its own
underwriting purposes. In addition, an abstract provided to an employer may only be used to
determine whether the individual named in the abstract should be permitted to operate a
commercial vehicle or school bus. Furthermore, an abstract provided to an alcohol/drug
assessment or treatment agency may only be used to assist its employees in determining the
appropriate level of treatment.
Abstracts for employees, prospective employees, volunteers, or prospective volunteers must
be accompanied by: (1) a release from the individual; and (2) an attestation from the
employer or volunteer organization that the information is necessary to determine whether the
individual should be employed to operate a commercial vehicle or school bus, or operate a
vehicle for a volunteer organization to transport children, the elderly, or disabled persons.
Washington and many local governments self-insure for property and liability risks, including
liabilities that may arise from the use of government-owned vehicles.
Summary of Bill:
The list of those to whom the Director of the DOL may furnish a driving record abstract is
expanded to include state colleges, universities, agencies for employment and risk
management purposes, and units of local government that are authorized to self-insure.
These added entities are not required to furnish an attestation that the information is
necessary to determine whether the licensee would be employed to operate a commercial
vehicle or school bus, or an employee's signature authorizing release of the abstract.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 25, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is exactly the same as House Bill 3262. It would allow risk pools to
look at employees' driving records for risk management purposes and would also improve
public safety.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Julie Murray, Washington State Association of Counties.