Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2198
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring rental car businesses to have a sufficient number of child restraint systems available to their customers.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Hinkle, Van De Wege, Hasegawa, Takko, Jacks, Appleton, Williams, Chase, Eddy, Morris, Roberts and White.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/24/09
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315)
Background:
Under Washington law, a child must be restrained in a child restraint system until the child is eight years old, unless the child is four feet nine inches or taller. The child restraint system must comply with standards of the United States Department of Transportation and must be secured in the vehicle in accordance with instructions of the vehicle manufacturer and the child restraint system manufacturer.
Rental car businesses are required to register with the Department of Licensing (DOL), and renew this registration annually. Rental cars must be titled and registered with the DOL, and identified at the time of registration with the rental car business number issued by the DOL. The DOL is empowered to conduct audits, investigations, and enforcement actions in relation to the statutory requirements for rental car businesses.
Summary of Bill:
Rental car businesses are required to have sufficient child restraint systems available to meet expected demand and to provide such systems free of charge. The requirement to have sufficient child restraint systems available may be met through contractual agreements between rental car businesses.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2010.