SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1923
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, February 21, 2008
Title: An act relating to requirements for motor vehicle transporter license applications.
Brief Description: Modifying requirements for motor vehicle transporter license applications.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt and Condotta.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/07, 96-1; 1/22/08, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: A vehicle used to tow disabled vehicles from public roads or highways must be
operated by a registered tow truck operator or someone who, at a minimum, has met the same
insurance and inspection requirements that registered tow truck operators must meet.
A transporter license is required for those in the business of delivering vehicles by driving or
towing them. Transporter license plates must be attached to any vehicle being delivered by a
licensed vehicle transporter.
Summary of Bill: An applicant for a transporter's license is required to indicate if the license will be used to recover disabled vehicles from a public road or highway for compensation. If so, the applicant will also be required to indicate if the applicant is a registered tow truck operator.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Non-registered tow trucks are required to be insured and inspected when towing disabled vehicles from public highways, but it is currently not enforced. This first step will help identify those not registered who are towing disabled vehicles from public highways. This will lead to the Washington State Patrol working with the Department of Licensing to identify the non-registered tow truck operators who are towing vehicles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Stu Halsan, Towing and Recovery Association of Washington; Doug Faber, Mount Vernon Towing.