SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5325

BYSenators Peterson, Conner and Patterson; by request of Department of Licensing

Changing the requirements for information kept in drivers' case records.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Vice Chairman; Tanner, Vice Chairman; Bender, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Nelson, Patterson, Smitherman, von Reichbauer, West.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 27, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The driver record statute adopted in 1979 requires a commercial driver's record to be maintained in two parts:  (1) The employment driving record which includes all motor vehicle-related convictions, accidents and traffic infractions that a person incurs while driving a "commercial" motor vehicle; and (2) the personal driving record, which contains all other motor vehicle related violations that a driver incurs outside of his or her professional employment driving record.

The Department of Licensing perceives an inequity in current statute.  Not all people required to drive while in the employment of others are eligible for an employment driving record because the motor vehicle driven is not included in the definition of a "commercial" motor vehicle.  That definition, found in RCW 46.04.140, is any vehicle used in the transportation of commodities, merchandise, produce, freight, animals, or passengers for hire.  Some of these employed drivers include school bus drivers, employees of telephone and electrical companies, meter readers, and newspaper and television reporters.

SUMMARY:

The definition of the employment driving record is extended to include driving any motor vehicle, not just a commercial vehicle, while in the employ of another.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Foster Cronyn, Washington Insurers; Don Bonner, Department of Licensing