SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6661

BYSenators Smith, Zimmerman and Kiskaddon

Changing provisions relating to disclosure of information in motor vehicle records.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6661 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Public Disclosure Law permits anyone to obtain a person's name and address from the Department of Licensing files by providing the numbers and letters from a vehicle license plate.  Department rule requires that the person seeking the information shall pay a $2 fee and provide his or her own name and address with identification.

SUMMARY:

A person requesting information contained in the department's vehicle records shall show identification and state the reason for making the request.  The request shall be in writing and signed by the person requesting the information.  The department or other public agency processing the request shall require the person to produce such information as the department determines necessary to verify identification and address.

The department or other public agency shall not divulge any information contained in the vehicle records unless the person requesting the information provides the name of the registered owner and the vehicle identification number or vehicle license plate number assigned to the vehicle.

This procedure does not apply to the state or any of its departments, agencies, courts, law enforcement, licensed private investigators, insurance companies, commercial parking facilities, financial institutions, or the federal government or any of its agencies, or any Washington attorney who shall state that the information is relevant to pending or potential court proceedings.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The current law exempting persons who routinely request disclosure of vehicle registration information for use in the course of their business or occupation is reinstated.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 3, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Linda Smith, Sponsor