HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6379

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

(As Amended by House)

Streamlines and reorganizes Washington's vehicle and vessel title and registration statutes.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 27 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Nealey, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Williams and Wood.

Background:

Current vehicle and vessel title and registration statutes are codified in various chapters of law and are often difficult to find and understand. Additionally, corresponding vehicle tax and fee statutes, including revenue distribution statutes, are also challenging for the reader to follow. As such, the 2007-2009 biennial Transportation Budget directed the Department of Licensing (DOL) to submit to the Legislature draft legislation that "streamlines title and registration statutes to specifically address apparent conflicts, fee distribution, and other relevant issues that are revenue neutral and which do not change legislative policy." The DOL worked with the Code Reviser's Office and the Office of the Attorney General in drafting the legislation.

The bill draft was submitted by the DOL in 2009 and was subsequently reviewed by combined staffs of the Senate and House Transportation Committees and other stakeholders.

Summary of Amended Bill:

Numerous vehicle and vessel title and registration statutes, including applicable tax and fee statutes, are streamlined and reorganized, and written in plain language so as to assist the reader.

The bill is revenue and policy neutral, with two exceptions: (1) the permit to licensed wreckers for junk vehicles was repealed because the permit has never existed; and (2) the Cooper Jones emblem was repealed because the emblems are no longer provided, due to the recent enactment of the "Share the Road" special license plate promoting bicycle safety and awareness.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2011, except for section 1020 which reinstates prior law related to vessel registrations after a scheduled expiration and takes effect June 30, 2012.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill streamlines and reorganizes the vehicle and vessel statutes in a very logical and organized manner to help people use those statutes. No changes to policy are included except for the items removed because the permits have never been used and also, in another case, where the sticker was replaced by a license plate. The bill is strictly technical.

(With amendments) There are a couple of technical amendments needed for the Department of Natural Resources on an account name and section references, along with clarification on vehicle wrecker to match the vehicle definition.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Swecker, prime sponsor; Eric Andersen, Department of Licensing; and Kristin Swenddal, Department of Natural Resources.

(With amendments) Gary Smith, Independent Business Association.