SB 5297.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/12/04)

Recognizes that over twenty other states have entered into informal reciprocal agreements with other nations to waive driver's license testing requirements in order to ease the transition of personnel to and from those states. By removing an unnecessary barrier to efficient personnel mobility it is the intent of the legislature to strengthen and diversify Washington's economy.

Authorizes the department to enter into an informal agreement with one or more other nations to waive the requirement for licensed drivers, age eighteen years or older, from that nation to take all or any part of the driver's license examination.

Provides that the department may only enter into an agreement with a nation if: (1) The nation has procedures in place to verify the validity of drivers' licenses issued by that nation; and

(2) The nation has agreed to waive all or any part of the driver's license examination and education requirements for Washington licensed drivers applying for a driver's license in that nation.

Takes effect May 1, 2005.