SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5129

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 29, 2009

Title: An act relating to licensing of off-road vehicles.

Brief Description: Regarding the licensing of off-road vehicles.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/29/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)

Background: Persons wishing to operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) in Washington must obtain an ORV use permit from the Department of Licensing (DOL) or an authorized agent. There are several exceptions to the ORV use permit requirement including ORVs operated by federal, state, or local governments and ORVs operated on lands owned or leased by the operator. In addition, ORVs registered as vehicles for valid operation on state highways are not required to obtain an ORV use permit.

Summary of Bill: The ORV use permit decal must be approximately four inches by seven inches in size and the numbers on the decal must be in as large of a font as can be accommodated on the decal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2010.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: Increasing the size of the ORV use permit won't make a difference. Criminals don't follow the rules. They don't register their ORVs and if they do have a permit, they would smear mud on it so you couldn't read it. Changing the permit size is an unnecessary expense for the state.

Persons Testifying: CON: John Eaton, Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance; Tod Petersen, Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance, Northwest Motorcycle Association; Andy Tudhope, citizen.