SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5432

As of February 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the transfer of appointment by subagents of the director of the department of licensing.

Brief Description:  Modifying the appointment of vehicle licensing subagencies.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, T. Sheldon, Eide, Prentice, Shin and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/19/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Strus (786‑7484)

Background:  Subagents have a contract with the county auditor to conduct vehicle licensing functions for the auditor.  Recently, concerns have been raised by some subagents who have invested many years in their business and want a process to pass along their business to a family member or trusted employee.

Currently, subagents are appointed after being chosen through a request for proposals process.  The county auditor submits all subagent proposals received to the director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) and recommends the appointment of one or more subagents.  The director of DOL has the final appointment authority.

Summary of Bill:  A subagent may nominate his or her successor who is either the subagent=s sibling, spouse, child or subagency employee.

The county auditor must recommend the appointment of the nominated successor unless the nominee does not meet the eligibility requirements listed in the Department of Licensing=s manual.

If a subagency is held by a partnership or corporate entity, the nomination submitted to the county auditor must be agreed to by all partners or corporate officers.

These changes are not intended to create a property or proprietary interest in the appointment.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 15, 2001.

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