Brief Description: Enhancing school bus driver safety.

Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Ahern, Kretz, Pearson, Roach and Kenney.

Hearing Date: 3/1/07

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) must provide, upon proper request, certified copies of driving records to:

• the driver;
• insurance companies;
• the driver's current or prospective employer or agent;
• employees or agents of a transit authority checking volunteer vanpool drivers;
• volunteer organizations for which an individual has submitted an application for a position that would require the transportation of children under 18 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, or persons with disabilities;
• city and county prosecuting attorneys; and
• certain others.

Release of the certified abstract of an employee, prospective employee, or prospective volunteer requires statements signed by the individual and by the employer or volunteer organization.

The DOL director is required to collect a fee of $5 for each abstract with the funds to be deposited in the highway safety account.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to provide a school district with an abstract of the full driving record for a current or prospective school bus driver free of charge. The DOL is also required to notify school districts if a school bus driver has had a driver's license or commercial driver's license suspended or revoked.

In keeping with the requirements of RCW 44.04.280 regarding the use of respectful language, a number of references are modified to utilize appropriate language.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 1, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and is effective immediately.