Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1473
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: Concerning the use of existing fees collected for the cost of traffic schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Parker, Hurst, Ormsby and Billig.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/16/11
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
In Washington, individuals may defer one moving and one non-moving violation every seven years. As a condition of this deferral, courts may impose such conditions as the court feels appropriate, which often includes attendance at a driver improvement school or traffic school. If the individual meets all of the required conditions and has not committed another infraction, the court may dismiss the infraction at the end of the deferral period.
With certain limited exceptions, the Washington Supreme Court prescribes the schedule of monetary penalties for traffic infractions. Infraction rule for courts of limited jurisdictions 6.2 contains this schedule of monetary penalties, and prescribes a penalty of $42 for unscheduled infractions.
Summary of Bill:
The fees collected for attending a traffic school provided by a city, town, or county that are in excess of the cost of providing the traffic school may be used for the following activities:
safe driver education materials and programs;
safe driver education promotions and advertising; and
costs associated with the training of law enforcement officers.
A traffic school established by a city, town, or county may not charge a fee in excess of the penalty for an unscheduled traffic infraction established by the Washington Supreme Court.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.