SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1046

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, March 23, 2011

Title: An act relating to vehicle and vessel quick title.

Brief Description: Concerning vehicle and vessel quick title.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Condotta and Morris).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/11, 58-40.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/21/11, 3/23/11 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Hobbs, Nelson, Ranker, Shin and Swecker.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: Vehicle and vessel title changes in Washington can be made at county auditors, other agents, subagents, or at the Department of Licensing (DOL). Seven county auditors in Washington presently prepare quick titles, which are titles that are processed by the counties and given to the applicant immediately.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): A quick title is defined as a certificate of ownership printed at the time of application.

County auditors or DOL agents are authorized to process quick titles. Subagents are authorized to process quick titles under certain circumstances. A $25 fee is charged to process a quick title. When the transaction is performed by the county auditor, subagent, or DOL's agent, $12.50 of the fee is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund for a vehicle, or the General Fund for a vessel, and the balance is retained by the county treasurer or DOL's agent. If the transaction is performed by DOL, the entire fee is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund for a vehicle, or the General Fund for a vessel.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2012.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will have a positive economic impact by helping to increase auto sales in Washington. It will also provide a public service.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; Jeanne Youngquist, WA State Assn. or County Auditors; Scott Hazlegrove, Washington State Auto Dealers Association.