SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1536
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 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to permits for and advertising by household goods carriers.
Brief Description: Concerning permits for and advertising by household goods carriers.
Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Roach, Eddy, Morris and Simpson; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/09, 93-2.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/16/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Dory Nicpon (786-7321)
Background: Household goods movers must obtain a permit from the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), and comply with certain consumer protection and public safety regulations administered by the UTC.
Summary of Bill: The definition of household goods carrier is expanded to include carriers who advertise, solicit, offer, or enter into agreements to transport household goods by motor vehicle in exchange for compensation.
Current exemptions from regulation are eliminated for household goods carriers that operate within cities with populations of less than 30,000 or between two contiguous cities with populations of less than 30,000.
A violation is created for engaging in or attempting to engage in the business of transporting household goods without a permit. This violation includes advertising, soliciting, offering, or entering into an agreement regarding the transportation of used household goods. The penalty for a violation is up to $5,000 for each occurrence of operating or advertising without a permit and up to $10,000 for each violation of a cease and desist order.
Household goods carriers must provide a physical address and telephone number in all advertising and correspondence.
Carriers whose operating authority has been cancelled by the UTC must notify customers and provide proof of such notice to the UTC.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
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 UTC regulates household goods movers to ensure public safety, and to ensure that consumers are protected when they entrust movers with their goods. Some movers operate without permits and do so in an unsafe and unscrupulous manner. Under current law, the UTC must have a proof of lading, and an individual willing to testify, before it can take effective enforcement action. This bill will enable UTC to protect consumers better.
Persons Testifying: PRO: David Danner, UTC; Larry Pursley, Washington Trucking Association.