SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6005
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 Passed Senate, February 14, 2012
Title: An act relating to the exemption of certain vehicles from the written estimate requirement for auto repair facilities.
Brief Description: Exempting certain vehicles from the written estimate requirement for auto repair facilities.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Carrell, Delvin, Fain, Sheldon, Hill and Benton).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/17/12, 1/23/12 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/14/12, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6005 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Keiser and Kline.
Staff: Stephanie Christensen (786-7405)
Background: In 1993 RCW 46.71.025 was enacted to require auto repair shops to provide customers with the opportunity to receive a written estimate of the cost of repair before providing parts or labor. A customer may require the repair facility to obtain oral or written authorization to exceed the written price estimate or may waive their right to receive a written price estimate. The repair facility may not charge the customer more than 110 percent of the total shown on the written price estimate unless the repair facility obtains either oral or written authorization from the customer before providing additional parts or labor.
Summary of Substitute Bill: An exception to the written estimate requirement is provided for vehicles that qualify for a horseless carriage license plate as defined in RCW 46.04.199 or a collector vehicle license plate as defined in RCW 46.04.1261. The exception also extends to parts cars and street rod vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.572 and custom vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.161.
A customer seeking repair services for one of the vehicles listed under this subsection may still request a written estimate from the auto repair facility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: Automobile repair is different than automobile restoration and preservation. This bill protects auto repair shops that have difficulty providing an accurate estimate for the restoration of these vehicles. The bill also protects customers by billing repairs on a time and materials basis every two weeks.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Carrell, prime sponsor; Harland Lippold, Horse Heaven Classic Mustang Restoration and Preservation; Kevin L. Jack, Thunder Road Street Rods and Customs.