FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2200

                         C 240 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing the duties of the director of licensing.

Sponsors:  Representatives Romero and McMorris; by request of Department of Licensing.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Department of Licensing is required to be organized into divisions, including the business and professions administration which includes the divisions of real estate and professional licensing.  The director of the Department of Licensing is appointed by the Governor, with consent of the Senate, and holds office at the pleasure of the Governor.  Directors must be selected with reference to their experience and interest in motor vehicle administration or highway safety.

The director of the Department of Licensing is required to appoint and deputize an assistant director of business and professions administration, and may delegate to the assistant director authority to promulgate rules and regulations relating to the licensing of persons engaged in businesses and professions; appoint such clerical and other assistants; to carry out necessary work; and to deputize assistants to perform duties in the name of the director.

Summary:

The authority of the director of the Department of Licensing is clarified.  Duties are to supervise and administer the Department of Licensing, and to advise the Legislature and Governor with respect to matters under the jurisdiction of the department.  The director is granted specific authority to:

Center into contracts to carry out the department's responsibilities;

Caccept and expend gifts and grants;

Cadminister the department, including complete charge and supervisory powers over the department, and create any administrative structures;

Cadopt rules;

Cdelegate powers and duties; and

Cestablish advisory groups.

References to duties formerly performed by the Department of Licensing regarding optometry that are now under the authority of the Department of Health are repealed.  References to the special experience requirements for the appointment of directors are repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate480

Effective:July 25, 1999