HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 2200

Relating to the powers of the director of licensing

Brief Title                               Hearing Date: 3/2/99

Reps. Romero, McMorris                   Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

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.

The director of the Department of Licensing is required to: (1) 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; and (2) 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:

Statutes relating to the Department of Licensing are revised to clarify the authority of the director of that department.

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

C

Enter into contracts to carry out the departments 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by the Department of Licensing regarding the Optometry that are now under the authority of the Department of Health are repealed.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.