SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1095

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Transportation, March 27, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the authority to issue special permits for oversize or overweight movements.

Brief Description:  Updating oversize load permits.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Mitchell, Fisher and Hankins; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  3/19/01, 3/27/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Benton, Eide, Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, McAuliffe, Oke, Patterson, Prentice, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  The Legislature has given authority to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue permits that regulate the movement of vehicles that exceed size, weight, and load restrictions on state highways.  Currently, there are two authorizations in statute, both in Chapter 46.44 RCW.  One provides DOT with the authority to issue permits to over-sized vehicles; the other provides authority to issue permits to over-sized and over-weight vehicles or loads.  This duplication has led to some minor confusion and has complicated the rule-making process by creating an unnecessary division for rule-making authority.

Applicants for excessive size, weight or load permits are required to apply in writing for a permit and must show good cause for issuance.  Good cause being shown, DOT then grants the special permit in writing.  In order to keep up with current capabilities and the future direction of e-government, DOT would like to be able to issue these permits electronically as well as in writing.

Summary of Bill:  The duplicate statutory provision is repealed.

DOT is authorized to issue over-size, weight, and load special permits electronically, in addition to the method by which a permit is presently issued.  The bill also identifies which statutory references an approved special permit applicant may exceed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill cleans up the statutes.  We would like A potential amendment on how the department implements the rules regarding farm implements.  We would like to be able to apply for and receive oversize permits electronically on a 24/7 basis.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Maryann Mitchell, prime sponsor; Charlie Brown, Washington State Potato Commission (pro w/amendment); Barry Diseth, Department of Transportation (pro); Stu Halsan, Washington Tow Truck Association (pro w/concerns).