SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2095

As of March 23, 2009

Title: An act relating to clarifying the permitting, training, and licensing process for driver training schools.

Brief Description: Clarifying the permitting, training, and licensing process for driver training schools.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Orwall, Finn, Upthegrove, Simpson, Rodne and Quall).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/09, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/24/09.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: In 2006 legislation was passed that put the licensing of driver training schools and instructors under the authority of the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act, giving the Department of Licensing the same authority over these groups as it has for other licenses.

Those who have been charged with an alcohol-related violation in the last seven years are ineligible to receive a driver instructor license.

Summary of Bill: Many clarifications and technical corrections are made. In addition, the requirement that all driving school staff who come in contact with students have background checks is narrowed to include only those who have regularly scheduled, unsupervised contact with students. The requirement that a requalification exam for driver instructor licenses be performed every five years is removed.

Those who have been charged with an alcohol or drug-related violation in the last three years are ineligible for a driver instructor license. In addition, those who have two or more such violations in their history are not eligible to receive a driver instructor license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.