WSR 15-04-016

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 23, 2015, 3:08 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Limousine, WAC 308-83-010 Definitions; specifically changes to the wording of the definition of executive sedan (WAC 308-83-010 (12)(b)).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.72A.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Puget Sound Limousine Association and other industry representatives have requested a change to the definition of executive sedan. Their request addresses changes made since 2011 by auto manufacturers to move to vehicles with shorter wheelbases (under one hundred fourteen inches). The change will increase industry options for choosing executive sedans having a wheelbase shorter than one hundred fourteen inches without compromising vehicle quality and passenger amenities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of licensing, in conjunction with the Washington state patrol, regulates limousine carriers with respect to entry, safety of equipment, chauffeur qualifications, and operations. The department will collaborate with the patrol on changes to the limousine definitions to ensure any changes are appropriate and consistent with our shared interest in ensuring high quality and safe limousine services to the public.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making, the department of licensing has been working with the Washington state patrol, representatives of the Puget Sound Limousine Association, and other limousine business owners in developing the rule change.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Heidi Graham, Dealer and Manufacturer Services, Department of Licensing, Business and Professions Division, P.O. Box 9039, Olympia, WA 98507-9039, phone (360) 664-6455, fax (360) 570-4953, e-mail hgraham@dol.wa.gov. Interested parties may send in comments by mail, phone, fax or e-mail. Additional information will be posted on the limousine licensing web site as it becomes available at http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/limousine/limolaws.html.

January 23, 2015

Damon Monroe

Rules Coordinator