SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5164

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 26, 2013

Title: An act relating to farm vehicles that are exempt from vehicle registration.

Brief Description: Concerning farm vehicles that are exempt from vehicle registration.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Rivers, Schoesler, Becker, Carrell, Bailey, Padden and Honeyford.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/13, 2/26/13 [DP, DNP, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Billig, Ericksen, Harper, Mullet, Rolfes, Schlicher and Smith.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Brown.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Benton, Vice Co-Chair; Sheldon.

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: Farm vehicles that are used incidentally on public highways are exempt from vehicle registration, but a farmer must apply for a farm exempt decal. A farm exempt decal must be displayed on the farm vehicle so that it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. A farm exempt decal allows a farm vehicle to be operated within a 15 mile radius of the farm where it is principally used or garaged. There is a $5 fee for a farm exempt decal.

Summary of Bill: A farm exempt decal is replaced with a farm exempt license plate.

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, 2014.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help eliminate the confusion of farmers and law enforcement by more clearly marking that the vehicle is exempt.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Roach, prime sponsor; Holli Johnson, WA State Grange; Burr Mosby, citizen.