SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Transportation, April 2, 2007
Title: An act relating to commercial driver's license requirements.
Brief Description: Modifying commercial driver's license requirements.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Wallace, Upthegrove, Lovick, Hankins and Dickerson; by request of Department of Licensing).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/07, 81-14.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/21/07, 4/02/07 [DPA, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Jacobsen, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Clements and Holmquist.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In order to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the state of Washington, an applicant must be a resident of the state and pass knowledge and skills tests that comply with state and federal regulations. The test may be administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or a third party. The fee for the test is $50 if administered by DOL and is set by rule for third party testers.
Summary of Substitute Bill: The fee charged by DOL for a DOL administered CDL skills examination is increased to $100. A person seeking a CDL must have successfully completed a course of instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that has been approved by the Director of DOL or be certified by an employer as having the skills and training necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. 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.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Transportation): When the CDL application will use the endorsement primarily for federally supported Head Start programs or Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs, the skills examination fee may be no higher than $75.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 15, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: An audit of commercial truck driving schools showed that many passed the skills test without actually possessing those skills. This bill will provide the funding mechanism for Department of Licensing to perform 60 percent of the skills testing of CDL applicants.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Liz Luce, Gibb Kingsley, DOL; Larry Pursley, Washington Trucking Association.