SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6107

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 5, 2018

Title: An act relating to reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.

Brief Description: Reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.

Sponsors: Senators Rolfes and Mullet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/17/18, 2/05/18 [DPS].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

  • Lowers the additional annual registration fee on electric motorcycles from $150 to $30.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6107 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, Liias, McCoy, O'Ban, Sheldon, Takko, Wellman and Zeiger.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: In addition to any other fees due at annual vehicle registration, vehicles that are powered by electricity, including electric motorcycles, are subject to a licensing fee of $150.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Between the effective date of the bill and March 31, 2019, an exemption is established to refund $120 of the $150 electric vehicle fee on motorcycles if the individual submits a rebate application. After April 1, 2019, the additional annual registration fee for electric motorcycles is lowered from $150 to $30. The additional fee for electric motorcycles is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): Between the effective date of the bill and March 31, 2019, an exemption is established to refund $120 of the $150 electric vehicle fee on motorcycles if the individual submits a rebate application. It is clarified that the additional fee for electric motorcycles will be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The bill corrects an incorrect application of the electric licensing fee to motorcycles.  The difference in gas versus electric motorcycles is not the same as for standard cars.  As opposed to cars, an electric motorcycle cannot be used throughout the year.  This created a disparity that this bill fixes.  The change will promote the use of electric motorcycles.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Christine Rolfes, Prime Sponsor; Brian Lange, ABATE of Washington; Roger Coulter, citizen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.