SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1955
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 of March 26, 2007
Title: An act relating to establishing licensing requirements for certain vehicle dealers.
Brief Description: Establishing licensing requirements for certain vehicle dealers.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, B. Sullivan, Kristiansen, Condotta, Crouse and Lovick).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/07, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/22/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: Among other things, the Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses and regulates
those that sell motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles. There are several categories
of dealer licenses, including off-road vehicle dealers, snowmobile dealers, and miscellaneous
dealers.
Those that sell motorized vehicles, other than snowmobiles or watercraft, intended for use on
nonhighway roads, trails, or other natural terrain must hold either an off-road vehicle dealer
license or a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license. Those that sell motorized snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles must hold a snowmobile dealer license. The annual fee for the off-road vehicle
dealer and the snowmobile dealer license is $25 each.
Those that sell motorcycles, off-road vehicles, trailers, and any other vehicle other than a motor
vehicle, mobile home, or travel trailer must hold a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license. The fee
for the initial miscellaneous vehicle dealer license is $750, and the annual renewal fee is $250.
Those applying for a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license are subject to additional requirements
and oversight. DOL may deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for certain reasons.
Summary of Substitute Bill: DOL no longer issues off-road vehicle or snowmobile vehicle dealer licenses. Those that sell off-road vehicles or snowmobiles must hold a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license. DOL may suspend a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license for nonpayment of child support.
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: This is a consumer protection issue because currently many of the off-road-vehicle and snowmobile dealers don't offer service on their often lower-quality vehicles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: James R. Boltz, Vicki L. Gray, John Jabusch, Washington State Motorsports Dealers Association.