SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1902

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 27, 2014

Title: An act relating to the creation of intermittent-use trailer license plates.

Brief Description: Creating intermittent-use trailer license plates.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Holy, Shea, Short, Clibborn, Schmick, Ormsby, Fagan, Crouse, Riccelli, Blake and Kristiansen).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/14, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/26/14, 2/27/14 [DPA, DNP].

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Angel, Brown, Cleveland, Dansel, Ericksen, Litzow, Mullet, O'Ban and Rolfes.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Liias.

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: There are different types of trailers registered in the state of Washington that are subject to various fees based on the weight and how they are used. Generally, all vehicles that are operated on public highways, including trailers, are subject to vehicle registration, annual registration renewal, various taxes and fees due at registration and registration renewal, and periodic plate replacement.

In addition to other taxes and fees that are due annually, a private-use single-axle trailer that is used for private non-commercial use has an initial registration and annual renewal fee of $15. This fee is distributed 22.36 percent to the State Patrol Highway Account, 1.375 percent to the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account, 5.237 percent to the Nickel Account, and 11.533 percent to the Transportation Partnership Account, with the remaining proceeds being deposited to the Motor Vehicle Fund.

In addition to other taxes and fees that are due annually, trailers that are over 2000 pounds and travel trailers have an initial registration and renewal fee of $30. Of each initial or renewal vehicle license fee, $20.35 must be deposited in the State Patrol Highway Account, $2.02 of each initial vehicle license fee and $0.93 of each renewal vehicle license fee must be deposited in the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account, and the remaining proceeds are deposited to the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The registered owner of a trailer that is used only for intermittent personal use may apply for a permanent license plate and registration. Intermittent personal use is not general or daily, but seasonal or sporadic, and not more than once per week on average. There is a one-time fee for a permanent license plate and registration on an intermittent-use trailer of $187.50 which is distributed as follows: $20.35 must be deposited in the State Patrol Highway Account, $2.02 is deposited in the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account, and the remainder is deposited to the Motor Vehicle Fund. Trailers registered as intermittent-use trailers are not subject to annual registration renewal or period license plate replacement. The owner of an intermittent-use trailer that is at least 30 years old may apply to the Department of Licensing to display a license plate that was issued in the year that the trailer was manufactured to be displayed in lieu of a new license plate. The permanent license plate and registration on an intermittent-use trailer expires when ownership of the vehicle changes, when the vehicle is permanently removed from the state, or is otherwise disposed of. The permanent plate must be removed from the trailer prior to conveyance.

A violation of the provisions related to intermittent-use trailers is subject to a traffic infraction of up to $150 including all applicable assessments and fees.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2015.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This started as a simple idea to make a permanent license for run-to-the-dump type trailers so that they do not have to update their license every year. The cost represents about ten years of licensing fees that are paid up front and ended up with a pretty dramatic fiscal note. The striking amendment is a friendly amendment.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Holy, prime sponsor.