"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The towncar and limousine industry is a viable and important mode of transportation for residents and visitors across the state, and maintaining high standards within the industry is necessary in order to ensure a wide variety of safe, reliable, and legal transportation choices. Concerns have been raised about both state oversight and enforcement ability resulting in a variety of potential and documented safety problems, and that the current oversight responsibilities residing with the department of licensing are not being fulfilled. Therefore, in response to this complex situation, it is the intent of the legislature to direct the department of licensing to investigate the current situation and return with recommendations for a comprehensive approach to oversight and regulation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The department of licensing shall, utilizing existing funds, convene a group of stakeholders to analyze the current situation governing the licensing and oversight of the limousine industry in the state of Washington, and to develop recommendations for a more comprehensive approach. The stakeholder group shall discuss the following areas of licensing and regulation including but not limited to: Licensing of vehicle drivers and chauffeurs, inspection of vehicles, insurance requirements, background checks, driving and related training, operations and prearrangement requirements, best practices, and the relevant sections of chapters 46.72A, 46.72, and 81.72 RCW. The department of licensing shall report back to the transportation committees of the legislature with an initial report on the recommendations of the stakeholders no later than September 1, 2009, and with a final report on the recommendations of the stakeholders no later than December 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act expires January 1, 2010."