SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1790
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 of March 20, 2013
Title: An act relating to the use of traffic school fees.
Brief Description: Concerning the use of traffic school fees.
Sponsors: Representatives Parker, Ormsby, Riccelli and Ryu.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/19/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: City, towns, and counties may establish traffic schools under the control and supervision of the board of county commissioners. A court handling traffic cases may order a person to attend a traffic school. Failure to attend a traffic school as mandated by a court is a traffic infraction.
Traffic schools may charge a fee that does not exceed the penalty of a traffic infraction, as set by the Washington Supreme Court, including any assessments and other costs required by statute or rule. The penalty for a standard infraction is currently $124. If a school charges a fee that is greater than the cost, the city, town, or county may use the excess amount for safe driver education materials, programs, promotions and advertising, or training of law enforcement officers.
Summary of Bill: Fees collected by traffic schools that are in excess of the cost may be used only for safe driver education materials, programs, promotions and advertising, or training of law enforcement officers. Additionally, these fees are not subject to indirect costs, and they may not be used to supplement any other costs of a city, town, or county.
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 is a technical fix that tightens the language and ensures that funds go to where they are intended.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Parker, prime sponsor.