FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5219

                                   C 21 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Changing the limits on liability of common carriers for damage or loss of baggage.

SPONSORS:Senators Patterson, Vognild and Rasmussen; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

BACKGROUND:

The maximum amount a passenger or shipper may recover for loss or damage to baggage transported by a for-hire bus (auto stage, airporter, excursion, charter) regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission is:  (1) $200 for each trunk and its contents; (2) $50 for each suitcase, valise or traveling bag and its contents; and (3) $25 for each box, bundle or package.  These free baggage allowance limitations were established in 1961.

When a passenger checks his/her baggage with the carrier, the passenger can declare that the baggage has a value in excess of the statutory limitation and pay an additional charge.  The rate varies from 50 cents to 75 cents per $100 valuation, depending upon the amount contained in the individual carrier's published tariff.

On the federal level, the ICC's free baggage allowance limitation is $250 per adult fare, unless a higher valuation is declared at the time of delivery to the carrier and an additional fee is paid.  The carrier may publish a maximum additional value for which they will be liable, but the maximum value may not be less than $1,000.

SUMMARY:

The free baggage allowance limitation is changed from a statutorily fixed amount to an amount set by the Utilities and  Transportation Commission.  Periodic review and rate adjustment are required of the commission.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      48    0

House 91    0

EFFECTIVE:July 28, 1991