Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1966
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. |
Brief Description: Clarifying that manure is an agricultural product for the purposes of commercial drivers' licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives Pearson, Haler and Bailey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/11
Staff: Wendy Malkin (786-7114).
Background:
The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Washington, a person generally must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with the applicable endorsements for the vehicle he or she is driving. To receive a CDL from Washington, an applicant must be a resident of the state, pass knowledge and skills tests that comply with minimum federal standards, and successfully complete a course of instruction that has been approved by the Director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) or be certified by an employer as having the skills and training necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The DOL may waive the requirement for instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle for an applicant that has been issued a valid CDL in another state and is transferring to Washington.
The following operators are exempt from the requirement to hold a CDL in the specified circumstances:
a firefighter or law enforcement officer operating emergency equipment who has completed an approved driver training course;
the operator of a recreational vehicle used for noncommercial purposes;
the operator of a commercial motor vehicle for military purposes; or
the operator of a farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer. The vehicle itself must be used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm. In addition, the vehicle may not be used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier, and it must be used within 150 miles of the person's farm.
Common carrier and contract carrier includes persons engaged in the business of providing, contracting for, or undertaking to provide transportation of property for compensation over the public highways of the Washington as brokers or forwarders.
Summary of Bill:
Manure and manure compost are added to the list of products that may be carried by the operator of a farm vehicle under the CDL exemption for farm operators.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 20, 2011.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.