SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5303
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, January 29, 2007
Title: An act relating to examination requirements for a certificate of ownership.
Brief Description: Adding a physical examination requirement for certificate of ownership applications.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Holmquist, Jacobsen and Swecker; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/22/07, 1/29/07 [DPS, DNP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5303 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Holmquist.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Murray, Vice Chair.
Staff: Dory Nicpon (786-7321)
Background: A proper certificate of license registration and certificate of ownership are required
to operate a vehicle lawfully on public highways. A physical examination of the vehicle is
mandatory before the Department of Licensing may reissue a certificate of ownership after: (1)
surrender of the certificate of ownership to the Department due to the vehicle's destruction or
declaration as a total loss; or (2) the vehicle is declared totaled or salvage. The purpose of the
inspection is to verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is genuine and to ensure that
neither the vehicle nor major component parts used to repair the vehicle are stolen.
For each vehicle requiring a physical examination, the inspection fee is $50.
Summary of Bill: When the registered owner of a vehicle retains the vehicle after it has been declared a total loss, and submits an application for reissuance of certificate of ownership, a physical examination of the vehicle is not required.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Transportation): The fee for physical inspection of a motor vehicle is raised from $50 to $65.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on January 29, 2007.
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: The VIN inspection program is an integral part of law enforcement's effort to detect vehicle theft and fraud. Requiring VIN inspections when vehicle owners retain salvage vehicles does not meaningfully contribute to the detection of stolen vehicles, but contributes to a backlog of vehicle inspections. Citizens frequently complain about the inspection delay resulting from this backlog. This bill will allow law enforcement to focus on inspection efforts that are more likely to detect vehicle theft and fraud.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol; Gary Smith, Independent Business Association.