SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5738

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Transportation, March 5, 2001

Title:  An act relating to snowmobile registration fees.

Brief Description:  Adjusting snowmobile license fees.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Oke and Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/21/01, 3/5/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Horn, Jacobsen, Kastama, McAuliffe, Oke, Patterson, Prentice and Swecker.

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  Revenues from annual snowmobile registration fees are distributed to the snowmobile account.  This account is appropriated to the State Parks and Recreation Commission to be used solely for its snowmobile program.  These funds are used to purchase snow grooming equipment and are transferred through the agency's grant program to public and private providers of trail grooming and snow removal services.

Summary of Bill:  The snowmobile registration fee is increased from $20 to $25, effective September 30, 2001.  The snowmobile registration fee is increased another $5 to $30, effective September 30, 2002.  After the fee increase of 2002, the State Parks and Recreation Commission cannot increase the fee.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This bill was brought forward by the Washington State Snowmobile Association, which is required to pay the fees.  Trail grooming is funded totally by these fees.  This is a user paid program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Kohl‑Welles, prime sponsor; Fred Weaver, Cascade Drift Skipper Snowmobile Club; Howard Briggs, Washington State Snowmobile Association; James Horan, Washington State Parks.