SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6456

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 6, 2014

Title: An act relating to requirements before issuance of an initial vehicle registration.

Brief Description: Concerning requirements before issuance of an initial vehicle registration.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Angel, Brown, Cleveland, Dansel, Ericksen, Liias, Litzow, Mullet, O'Ban, Rolfes and Sheldon.

Background: New Washington residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident. For a person to initially register a vehicle, and annually at registration renewal, they must present an unexpired Washington driver's license or certify that they are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Washington State driver's license.

Summary of Bill: The requirement to present an unexpired driver's license prior to vehicle registration renewal is removed.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The requirement to show an unexpired driver's license each time you register the car causes problems for auditors and subagents and is inconvenient for the public. Requiring this only at initial registration allows the state to meet the intent of the provision, which is to make sure that people are getting a Washington license when they move in from out of state. This is the result of a joint transportation workgroup that allowed all the stakeholders to identify a solution.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator King, prime sponsor; Charlene Winzler, WA Assn. of Vehicle Subagents; Thad Duvall, Douglas County Auditor for WA State Assn. of County Auditors; Tony Sermonti, Dept. of Licensing.