Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 1791
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 Description: Concerning master application fees.
Sponsors: Representative Kirby; by request of Department of Licensing.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/11
Staff: Michael Bennion (786-7118).
Background:
The master licensing program was established in the mid-1970s to serve as a one-stop licensing service for state businesses. A "master license" refers to the single document designed for public display issued by a licensing center and certified by state agency license approval. The master license application can be used to:
open or reopen a business;
change ownership of a business;
open a new business location;
change business locations;
register or change a trade name;
hire employees;
get a Minor Work Permit;
add licenses to an existing business location;
get optional insurance coverage for the business owner;
hire people to work in or around your home; or
apply for a Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number or tax registration number.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) administers the Master License Service as a centralized point of access for businesses to file for a master license and to collaborate licensing activities with 10 agencies and over 40 cities within Washington State. The DOL issues over 100 state licenses and provides general information to the public about licensing requirements and the costs based on license type. The master licensing program can also be used to apply for over 200 state endorsements and over 70 city licenses.
In the 2007-2009 biennium, the DOL processed over 217,000 applications and 680,000 renewals as part of the master licensing program. The DOL collects a $15 handling fee for each new master license issued and a $9 license renewal fee. Since July of 1992, all receipts have been deposited into the appropriated Master License Account (Account). Expenditures from the Account may be used only to administer the master license services program.
Summary of Bill:
The bill allows the Department of Licensing to set the amount of the handling fee for master licenses by rule. Current handling fees to file for new applications are $15 and renewal fees are set at $9 per year. The fees may not exceed $19 for each new application and $11 for each renewal application.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.