SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5427
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 February 13, 2013
Title: An act relating to removing certain requirements for vehicle registration certificate applicants.
Brief Description: Removing certain requirements for vehicle registration certificate applicants.
Sponsors: Senators King and Eide.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/12/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: New Washington residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident. For a person to register a vehicle they must present an unexpired Washington driver's license or certify that they are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Washington State driver's license.
Failure to make initial registration is a traffic infraction of $529.
A person falsifying residency for the purposes of vehicle registration is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of $529.
A resident that registers a vehicle in another state to evade any taxes or fees is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in the county jail and penalties of $1,529 plus the delinquent taxes and fees for a first offense, and up to 364 days in the county jail and penalties of $5,529 plus the delinquent taxes and fees for a subsequent offense.
Summary of Bill: The requirement to present an unexpired driver's license prior to vehicle registration and renewal is removed.
The gross misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of $529 for a person falsifying residency for the purposes of vehicle registration is removed.
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: Requiring an unexpired driver's license has caused problems in the subagent field. The policy is being forced to be applied by subagents, but auditors are exempt. Many customers were turned away during the pilot when this law went into effect. For many reasons this does not work such as someone may be temporarily living out of the state.
OTHER: The Department of Licensing (DOL) has concerns because this is how an address is verified. No one was turned away in the pilot.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jan Novak, Chester Baldwin, WA Assn. of Vehicle Subagents.
OTHER: Tony Sermonti, DOL.