HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6560

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Madsen and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Licensing)

Strengthening odometer disclosure requirements.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (23)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair, Eastern Washington; R. Meyers, Vice Chair, Western Washington; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bennett, Betrozoff, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, G. Fisher, Forner, Hankins, Heavey, Jones, Nelson, Prentice, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

State law requires that the odometer reading be written on the application for certificate of title at the time of sale.  The odometer reading is recorded and maintained on the Department of Licensing microfiche files for reference.  The odometer reading is not displayed upon the title certificate.

In late 1986, Congress enacted a federal odometer act, known as the "Truth in Mileage Act."  The act mandates that the odometer reading be displayed upon the title of all vehicles.  Upon the transfer of ownership, the transferee must submit an odometer disclosure from the seller to the state for vehicle registration.  Additionally, the federal act requires the title to be present at the time of sale.

The federal civil penalty for odometer tampering violations is raised from $1,000 to $3,000 per violation, and the criminal penalties raised from a maximum of one year to three years in jail.

SUMMARY:

Every application for title shall contain an odometer reading.  After April 30, 1990 all registration and titles issued by the department will reflect the odometer reading on a secure title.

An odometer disclosure statement must be provided: (1) by the owner when a vehicle is transferred; (2) to fleet vehicle purchasers at the beginning and end of a lease; (3) by a dealer on assignment of title when transferring or selling a vehicle.

A transferee of a vehicle must apply for title within 15 days of vehicle delivery. A dealer must apply on behalf of a new owner, sending assignment of title to the department.  If the previous owner failed to record the mileage on the title, a dealer must attach an odometer disclosure statement attesting to the odometer reading as it appeared when the vehicle was obtained.

Specific situations in which a secured power of attorney is required are deleted.  The department is allowed to provide by WAC rule when a secured power of attorney is required.

Revenue:    The bill has a revenue impact.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.