Brief Description: Regulating the sale, distribution, and installation of air bags.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Eide and Kohl-Welles).

Hearing Date: 3/25/03

Staff: Jill Satran (786-7315).

Background:

When a vehicle airbag has been deployed in an accident or other circumstances, a replacement airbag may be installed. Recent studies suggest that new or non-deployed salvage airbags may be safely installed as replacements, as long as they are undamaged and properly handled and installed. In some cases, however, vehicle repair facilities have installed previously-deployed airbags that will not function in an accident. Under current law, no vehicle equipment standard has been established to govern the installation or distribution of previously-deployed airbags.

Summary of Bill:

Persons who knowingly install, reinstall, or distribute as an auto part, previously deployed motor vehicle airbags are guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and subject to a maximum $5,000 fine and/or a jail sentence of up to one year.

When previously deployed airbags are replaced, either by new or nondeployed salvaged airbags, the replacement airbag must conform to original equipment manufacturer requirements. Installers must verify, when replacing airbag systems, that the entire airbag system is operating properly.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 19, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.