Title: An act relating to vehicle dealer transfer of title requirements.

Brief Description: Modifying the requirements for executing assignment and warranty of title when the purchaser or transferee is a dealer.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Chandler, Wood, Williams, Moeller, Conway and Condotta.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/07, 97-0; 2/07/08, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/22/07, 4/02/07 [DPA]; 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: When a vehicle dealer sells, leases, or otherwise disposes of a vehicle, the dealer must promptly apply to the Department of Licensing to transfer the title of that vehicle. By rule, the application must be filed within 45 days of the vehicle delivery date.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): When a dealer accepts an offer with a contingency, and that contingency doesn't materialize, the dealer is not required to transfer the title of that vehicle.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): The striking amendment clarifies language.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will clarify the law and save auto dealers the cost of filing paperwork before knowing if a transaction is going to go through.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative O'Brien, prime sponsor; Scott Hazlegrove, Washington State Auto Dealer's Association.