WA People
BILL · 2021–22 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5226

SB 5226: License suspensions/traffic

Concerning the suspension of licenses for traffic infractions.

Summary

  • Eliminates drivers' license suspension for the failure to pay a traffic infraction for a moving violation.
  • Authorizes drivers' license suspension when a person fails to comply with a payment plan and fails to appear when requested by the court to appear and show evidence of ability to pay.
  • Authorizes the Department of Licensing (DOL) to reinstate all driver's licenses suspended for reasons that are no longer grounds for suspension.
  • Requires DOL take reasonable steps to publicize information regarding the availability of relief to reinstate a suspended license and create an online application process for people to apply for reinstatement.

From the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report (ESSB 5226), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Enacted Enacted · Chapter 240, Laws of 2021
  1. IntroducedJan 14, 2021
  2. Out of committeeFeb 15, 2021
  3. Passed SenateMar 8, 2021
  4. Passed HouseApr 10, 2021
  5. GovernorMay 10, 2021
  6. LawMay 10, 2021
Prime sponsor
Jesse Salomon (D-32)
Introduced
January 14, 2021 in the Senate
Last action
May 10, 2021
Session law
Chapter 240, Laws of 2021
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5226, ESSB 5226

AN ACT Relating to the suspension of licenses for traffic infractions;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Jesse Salomon (D-32)

13 co-sponsors (12 Democrats, 1 Republican)

Rebecca Saldaña D-37Senator D-47Senator D-46Bob Hasegawa D-11Patty Kuderer D-48Marko Liias D-21Liz Lovelett D-40Ron Muzzall R-10Joe Nguyen D-34T'wina Nobles D-28Jamie Pedersen D-43Emily Randall D-26Claire Wilson D-30

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed March 8, 2021
Version voted on: ESSB 5226
33 Yea 16 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat28100
Republican51500
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

House · Final Passage as Amended by the House

Passed April 10, 2021
Version voted on: ESSB 5226
80 Yea 17 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat57000
Republican231701
How each member voted

Yea (80)

Excused (1)

Permalink to this vote

Senate · Final Passage as Amended by the House

Passed April 15, 2021
Version voted on: ESSB 5226
34 Yea 14 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat28100
Republican61301
How each member voted

Excused (1)

Permalink to this vote
1 other recorded vote (amendments, procedural motions)

Senate · Amendment 443 by Padden (page 7, line 17)

March 8, 2021
Version voted on: ESSB 5226
21 Yea 28 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat12800
Republican20000
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

History

  1. Effective date 1/1/2023. (ESSB 5226)
  2. Chapter 240, 2021 Laws. (ESSB 5226)
  3. Governor signed. (ESSB 5226)
  4. Delivered to Governor. (ESSB 5226)
  5. Speaker signed. (ESSB 5226)
  6. President signed. (ESSB 5226)
  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 34; nays, 14; absent, 0; excused, 1. (ESSB 5226)
  8. Senate concurred in House amendments. (ESSB 5226)
  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (ESSB 5226)
  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 80; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 1. (ESSB 5226)
  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5226)
  12. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments. (ESSB 5226)
  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review. (ESSB 5226)
  14. Minority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5226)
  15. Minority; do not pass. (ESSB 5226)
  16. TR - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (ESSB 5226)
  17. TR - Executive action taken by committee. (ESSB 5226)
  18. First reading, referred to Transportation. (ESSB 5226)
  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 33; nays, 16; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5226)
  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5226)
  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5226)
  22. 1st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5226)
  23. 1st substitute bill substituted.
  24. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5226)
  25. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  26. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5226)
  27. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5226)
  28. Minority; do not pass. (ESSB 5226)
  29. Minority; do not pass.
  30. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  31. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  32. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

SB 5226 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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