HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2803

BYRepresentatives G. Fisher, McLean, R. Fisher and Rector; by request of Department of General Administration

Changing provisions relating to state employees operating state-owned vehicles.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives Todd, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; R. Fisher, Hankins, Morris and Silver.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Washington's motor vehicle pool consists of an estimated 8,900 vehicles with an annual capital expenditure of more than $10 million.  As of 1989, all state employees who operate state-owned passenger vehicles must provide proof of having a valid Washington state driver's license.

Temporary employees such as non-resident students, visiting faculty, parks and recreation employees, or fire fighters might need to drive state-owned vehicles in the course of their work.  Some employees may work for the state, but reside on the Oregon or Idaho borders.

The Department of Licensing considers a driver's license issued by another state or country to be valid if the license has not expired or been suspended or revoked.  However, an individual under the age of 18 with an out-of-state driver's license must have previously taken driver's education to be legally eligible to drive in Washington.

SUMMARY:

State employees who operate state-owned passenger vehicles are required to provide proof of having a driver's license recognized as valid under Washington state law, rather than being required to have a valid Washington state driver's license.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Mike Movius, Department of General Administration.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    A multi-agency task force has been developing drivers' training for employees driving state vehicles but is having difficulty implementing the requirement to have a Washington driver's license.  Employees such as students, fire fighters, or visiting faculty are hired temporarily, and others may be residents of border states.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.