Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2918
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: Granting a city or town the authority to establish and operate a traffic school without county consent, control, or supervision.
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Pike, Moscoso, Orwall, Robinson, Hudgins, Van De Wege, Appleton, Stanford and Goodman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/16
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:
The expressly stated purpose of a traffic school is to instruct persons appearing for training on the lawful and safe operation of motor vehicles. A city or town and the county in which it is located may establish a traffic school by agreement.
The county board of commissioners (board) has the authority to control and supervise a traffic school and to administer funds for a traffic school located in its county limits. A city or town is authorized to make appropriations for establishment and operation of a traffic school and is also authorized to accept and expend gifts and donations. All funds appropriated for the operation of a traffic school, however, must be administered by the board.
A traffic school may use fees collected for the cost of attending the traffic school that are in excess of the costs of the traffic school for safe driver education materials and programs, safe driver education promotions and advertising, or the costs associated with the training of law enforcement officers. A traffic school may not charge a fee in excess of the penalty for an unscheduled traffic infraction established by the Supreme Court, inclusive of the base penalty and all assessments and other costs required by statute or rule to be added to the base penalty.
Summary of Bill:
Cities, towns, and counties are allowed to establish traffic schools separately, without the requirement that the governing bodies form a traffic school by agreement. A traffic school established by a city, town, or county is under the control and supervision of the governing body that established it. All funds appropriated by the governing body that established the traffic school are deposited with that jurisdiction's treasurer and are administered by the governing body of the jurisdiction.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.