HB 1568 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Amends RCW 46.82.350 to update procedures for actions against driving school licensees.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1568

                   May 11, 2001

To the Honorable Speakers and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill No. 1568 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to suspension, revocation, and denial of driver training school instructor licenses;"

     House Bill No. 1568 would have specified in statute that the Department of Licensing has the authority to suspend the license of a driving school instructor, if that instructor no longer meets the initial requirements to obtain an instructor's license.

     Although well intentioned, this legislation is not necessary.  After careful review of RCW Chapter 46.82, and RCW 46.82.330 and 46.82.350(1)(c) in particular, I believe the Department of Licensing already has the authority to apply the requirements that a person must satisfy to obtain an instructor's license to suspension, revocation or renewal of that same license.  Given the current language of the statutes, it is disingenuous to argue, for example, that a person may not be granted an instructor's license if he or she has had alcohol-related traffic violations within the preceding three years, but is eligible to renew his or her license with recent alcohol-related traffic violations on his or her record.

     I encourage the Department of Licensing to proceed with any steps necessary to amend and clarify its standards, rules, and procedures regarding the suspension, revocation and renewal of driving school instructor licenses consistent with this letter.

     For these reasons I have vetoed House Bill No. 1568 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor