HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB
1458
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to limousine charter party carriers.
Brief Description: Ending dual registration requirements for limousine charter party carriers.
Sponsor(s): Representatives Ludwig, Heavey, Lisk and Franklin; by request of Department of Licensing.
Brief History:
Reported by House Committee on:
Transportation, February 19, 1991, DP;
Passed House, March 12, 1991, 98-0;
Passed Legislature, 98-0.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; R. Meyers, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Cantwell; Cooper; Day; G. Fisher; Forner; Haugen; Horn; P. Johnson; R. Johnson; Kremen; Mitchell; Nelson; Orr; Prentice; Prince; Schmidt; and Wood.
Staff: Mary McLaughlin (786-7309).
Background: Prior to 1989, (1) limousines with a seating capacity of seven or more were regulated as charter buses by the Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC), and (2) limousines with a seating capacity of less than seven were considered taxi cabs and were required to obtain a for-hire passenger permit from the Department of Licensing (DOL). As taxi cabs, DOL also required the filing of a surety bond or proof of liability insurance.
In 1989, limousine services were placed under the regulatory authority of the UTC. Limousines are subject to the UTC's entry standard (Fit, Willing & Able), chauffeur qualifications, safety and insurance provisions, and payment of the annual regulatory fee. (Rate regulation is not imposed.)
Because of a legislative oversight, limousines with a seating capacity of less than seven are still required to register and comply with the bonding requirements of DOL.
Summary of Bill: For-hire limousine services are exempt from the taxicab permit and insurance requirements of the Department of Licensing, as these vehicles are now regulated by the Utilities & Transportation Commission.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Witnesses: None.