Legislation

Reports to the legislature

• Agent and subagent fees (RCW 46.01.325)
  Annual analysis and evaluation of vehicle agent and subagent fees, and recommendations for fee revisions submitted every 3rd year.
  • 2010 Analysis of Agent and Subagent Fees
   
  
• Driver and Vehicle Services Fee Study (RCW 46.01.360)
  Biennial fee study submitted to the transportation committees of the Senate and House to ensure cost recovery for DOL services.
  • 2011 Driver & Vehicle Services Fee Study
   
  
• Special license plate report (RCW 46.18.060)
  Annual financial report submitted by organizations sponsoring active special license plates.
  • 2011 Special License Plate Report
   
  
• Tribal fuel tax agreements (RCW 82.36.450 (6))
  Existing agreements and ongoing negotiations on motor vehicle fuel tax with federally-recognized tribes in Washington.
  • 2010 Tribal Fuel Tax Agreement Report
    • Amendment to the 2010 Fuel Tax Report

Agency-request legislation

We’ve introduced the following bills for the 2012 Legislative Session:

• Enhancing driver license security using facial recognition technology
  We currently use facial recognition technology to compare photos of applicants for enhanced driver license and ID cards with photos of all other customers. Potential matches are flagged for review by trained staff. There are significant privacy safeguards built into the operation of the system, and the database isn't accessible by other agencies without a court order. We’re seeking legislation that would give us authority to use this facial recognition system for regular driver license and ID cards. This will help us ensure individuals don't have more than 1 driver license, and prevent identity theft.
  • View and track: House Bill 2433 and Senate Bill 6150.
  • Learn more: Using facial recognition to enhance driver license security and public safety.
   
• Extending driver license and ID card validity to 6 years
  We propose extending the renewal cycle for driver licenses and ID cards from 5 years to 6 years, except for commercial driver licenses. Extending the renewal period 1 year is a customer convenience, helps reduce wait times in our offices, and helps us delay costs associated with serving a growing population.
  • View and track: House Bill 2206 and Senate Bill 6149.
  • Learn more: Six-year expiration cycle for driver licenses and ID cards.
   
• Federal rule compliance
  This bill amends state statutes to comply with recent changes in federal rules prohibiting commercial drivers from texting while driving, and requiring safety flags on cargo that extends from a vehicle. Failure to comply with federal requirements can result in the loss of federal highway funds and decertification of the state’s Commercial Driver License program.
  • View: Bill request.
  • Learn more: Commercial drivers texting while driving and projecting loads.
   
• Elimination of employment agency licensing
  We’re asking to eliminate the requirement to license employment agencies. The business model for the employment agency industry has changed since the law was enacted in 1969, and there are currently only 2 licensees in the program.
  • View and track: House Bill 2693.
  • Learn more: Elimination of the Employment Agency Licensing Program
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