| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
HB 2564
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: Adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Pedersen, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Hunt, Wood, McIntire, Roberts, Hudgins, Jarrett, Rolfes, Kagi, Chase and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/08
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for overseeing the commercial driver training
school program. Driver training schools must meet standards set by the DOL, and driver training
schools must be annually approved by the DOL.
The driver instructors' advisory committee reviews and updates the curriculum for driver training
schools. The advisory committee also updates the instructor certification standards, taking into
consideration the standards set by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
The DOL is responsible for providing the driver training school curriculum to each applicant for
an instructor or driver training school permit. In addition to information on the safe, lawful, and
responsible operation of motor vehicles, the curriculum must include information regarding the
intermediate driver's license restrictions and sanctions, the effects of alcohol and drug use on
motor vehicle operators, and the importance of safely sharing the road with motorcycles.
If an instructor or school fails to teach the basic minimum curriculum, the DOL may revoke the
license of the instructor or school, or both.
Traffic safety education is also available to students in many school districts in the state.
Historically, these programs have been funded through a mixture of funds provided by the state,
the school district, and individual students' families.
The OSPI is required to adopt the necessary rules and regulations governing the operation and
scope of the traffic safety education program, and define the classroom and laboratory student
learning experiences that must be satisfactorily completed by a student in order to successfully
complete a traffic safety education course.
Summary of Bill:
Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety are added to the list of items that must be part of the driver
training curriculums developed by the Department of Licensing and the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The act is named for Matthew "Tatsuo" Nakata.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/24/08.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.