HB 1267

Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1267

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.

Brief Description: Modifying commercial driver's license requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Upthegrove, Lovick, Hankins and Dickerson; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows the Department of Licensing to set the fees by rule for knowledge examinations and skills examinations for commercial motor vehicle licenses.

Requires applicants for commercial vehicle licenses to prove Washington residence and pass an approved course of instruction.

Allows the Department of Licensing to waive the requirement of passing an approved course of instruction if the applicant has a valid license from another state.

Hearing Date: 2/15/07

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Washington, a person generally must hold a commercial driver's license with the applicable endorsements for the vehicle they are driving.

However, this requirement does not apply to the following persons:

The operator of a farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer. The vehicle itself must also be used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm. Finally, the vehicle cannot be used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier and it must be used within 150 miles of the person's farm.
A firefighter or law enforcement officer operating emergency equipment who has completed an approved driver training course.
The operator of a recreational vehicle used for noncommercial purposes.

In order to receive a commercial driver's license from the state of Washington, an applicant must be a resident of the state and pass knowledge and skills test that complies with minimum federal standards.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is given the authority to set by rule the fees for knowledge examinations and skills examinations for commercial motor vehicle licenses.

A person seeking a commercial driver's license must present satisfactory evidence to the DOL that they are a Washington resident and have successfully completed a course of instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that has been approved by the director of the DOL.

The DOL may waive the requirement for instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle for an applicant that has been issued a valid commercial driver's license in another state and is transferring to Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Section (1) takes effect July 1, 2007. Section (2) takes effect January 15, 2008.