SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2200

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                Transportation, March 31, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the powers of the director of licensing.

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

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  3/24/99, 3/31/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Goings, Vice Chair; Benton, Costa, Eide, Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, Johnson, Morton, Oke, Patterson, Sellar, Sheahan, T. Sheldon and Shin.

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7305)

Background:  The Department of Licensing (DOL) administers laws relating to the licensing and regulation of professions, businesses, gambling, and other activities in addition to administering laws relating to the licensing and regulation of vehicles and vehicle operators, dealers, and manufacturers.  The director of DOL, who is appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate, holds office at the pleasure of the Governor.  Additionally, the Senate Transportation Committee conducts hearings on director of DOL gubernatorial appointments.

DOL 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 DOL 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 of Bill:  The authority of the director of the Department of Licensing is clarified.  Duties are 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:

$enter into contracts to carry out the department=s responsibilities;

$accept and expend gifts and grants;

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

$adopt rules;

$delegate powers and duties; and

$establish advisory groups.

The business and professions administration and the position of assistant director of the Business License Center are eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  HB 2200 eliminates obsolete terms and divisions and clarifies the duties of the Director of the Department of Licensing.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Fred Stephens, Dept. of Licensing (pro).