OLYMPIA — The governor has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, to allow employers to obtain the driving record of an employer or potential employer under specific circumstances.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) maintains a case record — or abstract — of the driving record of every person licensed to operate a motor vehicle. Current law restricts the distribution of abstracts to certain persons and uses, and Senate Bill 5610 expands this to allow employers, prospective employers and volunteer organizations to obtain abstracts for employment and risk management purposes. Courts are also allowed to provide abstracts for drivers who have a case pending before the court for a suspended license violation, an open infraction, or a criminal case that has resulted in the suspension of a driver's license. DOL is required to permanently retain records of convictions for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Also signed today was Senate Bill 5482 to modify provisions governing two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles. It includes amending the state definition of motorcycle to conform to the federal definition, and includes certain vehicles that have a saddle or steering wheel. It also requires the operator of an enclosed three-wheel vehicle with a steering wheel and bucket seat that meets the definition of motorcycle to register the vehicle as a motorcycle, wear a seat belt and helmet unless the manufacturer has certified compliance with federal standards for roof crush resistance, and not transport children under the age of five. The definition of a motorized foot scooter is revised to specify a top speed of 20 miles per hour. The bill also requires users of motorized foot scooters to wear bicycle helmets, and prohibits them from operating on sidewalks or fully-controlled limited access highways.