SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5495

BYSenators Bender, Owen, McMullen, Hansen, Conner and DeJarnatt

Reducing insurance rates for persons taking a defensive driving course.

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1989; February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5495 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators von Reichbauer, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Fleming, Moore, Rasmussen, Smitherman.

Senate Staff:Bev Tweddle (786-7403)

                  February 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE, FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Automobile liability and physical damage insurance premium reductions are now available to persons over 55 years of age who complete an approved accident prevention course.

SUMMARY:

Automobile liability and physical damage insurance premiums shall be reduced for a period of three years for any person who has completed an approved defensive driving course.  This reduction does not apply to a person who has taken a mandated defensive driving course as a result of a traffic violation.

The Department of Licensing is to promulgate rules defining what constitutes an approved defensive driving course.

These provisions become effective January 1, 1990.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Amends an existing section of the code that speaks to the same subject rather than creating a new section.  Language is changed to improve, clarify and better reflect intent.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:January 1, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Les Pope, Pierce County Chapter National Safety Council (pro); Jon Coolidge, Department of Licensing (pro); Basil Badley, AIA (con); Sarah Gordon, Washington Association Women Highway Safety Leaders (pro); Lillie Morris, Washington Association Women Highway Safety Leaders (pro)