HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2776
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 House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to exemptions from the use of safety belts.
Brief Description: Clarifying the exemption from safety belt use for physical or medical reasons.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick and Haler; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/1/18, 2/6/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Gregerson, Hayes, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McBride, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pellicciotti, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Stambaugh, Tarleton, Valdez, Van Werven and Young.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Shea.
Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).
Background:
The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to be eligible for Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant funds from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, states must comply with certain federal laws.
Federal code restricts drivers from operating a commercial motor vehicle that has a seat belt assembly installed unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly. Federal code also restricts a driver from operating a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle that has seat belt assemblies installed at the seats for other occupants of the vehicle unless all other occupants are properly restrained by the seat belt assemblies. Washington allows an exemption from safety belt use for operators or passengers of a motor vehicle who possess written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger is unable to wear a safety belt for physical or medical reasons.
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Summary of Bill:
The exemption for physical or medical reasons from the requirement to use safety belts for operators or passengers of a commercial motor vehicle is removed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Currently, Washington law is out of compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) regarding some safety belt requirements for commercial motor vehicles. The issue was discovered during a Washington State Patrol (WSP) audit, and the WSP stands to lose over $6 million in grant funding if we remain out of compliance. There is no fiscal impact to making the change, just changing current law to make sure it matches the CFR.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Lovick, prime sponsor; and Monica Alexander, Washington State Patrol.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.