SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6457

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 February 6, 2014

Title: An act relating to the processing of quick titles by subagents.

Brief Description: Concerning the processing of quick titles by subagents.

Sponsors: Senators King and Liias.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/05/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: County auditors and other agents of the director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) must provide various vehicle title and registration services to the public. DOL may appoint privately owned businesses as licensing subagents (subagents) to process these transactions under contract with the county auditor.

A quick title is a title that can be processed and given to applicants immediately. There is a fee of $50 for a quick title, in addition to any other fees and taxes due. DOL, county auditors, and other agents of DOL may process quick titles. A subagent may process quick titles only after the following conditions are met:

DOL develops a process for inventorying certificates of title;
the county auditor in the county that the subagent is located processes quick titles for at least six months; and
the county auditor approves a request from the subagent to process quick titles.

Summary of Bill: The conditions that must be met in order for a subagent to process a quick title are removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: Quick titles are very important for audit auctions and this will allow them to have better access to them. This is a solution that works for DOL and their business partners. Initially only DOL could issue quick titles and over time they expanded that authority to counties as DOL offices were closed around the state. Enough time has passed and processes have been put in place that it makes sense to extend this to all the subagents.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Rick Jensen, Dealers Auto Auction NW; Thad Duvall, Douglas County Auditor for WA State Assn. of County Auditors; Charlene Winzler, WA Assn. of Vehicle Subagents; Tony Sermonti, DOL.