HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2033
As Reported by House Committee On:
Juvenile Justice & Family Law
Title: An act relating to occupational driver's licenses.
Brief Description: Allowing juveniles to get occupational drivers' licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Dickerson and Dunn.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Juvenile Justice & Family Law: 1/17/02, 1/30/02 [DPS].
|
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
$Allows juveniles whose driving privileges are revoked based on firearm, alcohol, and drug related convictions to apply for occupational drivers' licenses.
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE & FAMILY LAW
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Darneille, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Eickmeyer and Tokuda.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Carrell.
Staff: Tracey Taylor (786‑7196).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) may suspended or revoke a person's driving privilege for a number of reasons, including specific criminal convictions, such as DUI, Reckless Driving and Hit and Run Attended, and for refusing to submit to an alcohol test as required by the implied consent laws.
The DOL may suspend or revoke a juvenile's driving privilege if the juvenile is convicted of:
$any offense committed while armed with a firearm;
$any offense regarding the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol;
$any violation of the legend drug laws;
$any violation of the controlled substance laws; and
$any violation of the imitation controlled substance laws.
The first license revocation is one year or until the juvenile reaches age 17, whichever is longer. The second or subsequent revocation is two years or until the juvenile reaches age 18, whichever is longer. All revocations are consecutive. A juvenile may petition the juvenile court for reinstatement at an earlier date, but the decision to grant reinstatement is within the court's discretion.
The DOL may issue an occupational license to a person whose driving privilege is suspended under certain circumstances. In order to be granted an occupational license, the person must be engaged in an occupation or trade for which operating a motor vehicle is essential. Upon issuing the occupational license, the DOL must specify the type of occupation permitted, and the hours of the day, the days of the week, and the route in which driving is permitted. A violation of the restrictions invalidates the occupational license, subjects the driver to a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $200 fine, and resuspends the person's driving privilege.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Juveniles whose driving privileges are suspended or revoked because of convictions for firearm, alcohol, and drug related crimes are eligible to apply for an occupational license if they are otherwise eligible to drive. Occupational licenses can be granted for persons needing transportation to and from work, and may also be granted for necessary transportation related to apprenticeships and on‑the‑job training.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill allows an occupational license to be granted for persons needing transportation to and from work. The substitute also provides that occupational licenses may be granted to persons involved in apprenticeships and on‑the‑job training.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The current law penalizes an adult who had problems with alcohol or drugs as a teenager, but has since gotten his or her life together and needs a license to maintain employment. An adult who has his or her license suspended for the same reasons as a juvenile may be able to obtain an occupational driver's license, but a juvenile cannot. In addition, an occupational driver's license is only available for paid employment.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Representative Ruth Kagi, prime sponsor.