SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5235

                    As of February 27, 1997

Title:  An act relating to delegation of authority to county auditors by the director of licensing.

Brief Description:  Allowing county auditors to renew drivers' licenses.

Sponsors:  Senators Benton, Prentice, Roach, Finkbeiner, Winsley, Schow, Long, Horn, Deccio, Swecker, Morton, Rossi, McDonald, Stevens, West and Hale.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/27/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Joly (786-7305)

Background:  There are 63 Department of Licensing (DOL) service offices statewide.  The following types of services may be obtained in a licensing service office:  driver licensing, identicard issuance, commercial driver licensing, vehicle license renewals, and vehicle title transfers.

Currently, five Washington State counties do not contain a DOL licensing service office, i.e., Skamania, Douglas, Garfield, Columbia, and Wahkiakum.  Three counties, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, and San Juan, are provided licensing services via a DOL mobile, traveling unit.

RCW 46.01.130 allows the director of DOL to appoint county auditors as agents for the licensing of vehicles.  The county auditors, and authorized subagents within the county, collect service fees, in addition to other applicable fees, for the provision of vehicle licensing services.  For example, $7.50 for a change in a certificate of ownership and $3.00 for registration renewal.  No such delegation provisions exist for DOL driver service activities.

Summary of Bill:  In counties where no Department of Licensing field offices are located, the director may authorize county auditors to renew driver's licenses.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 26, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.