SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1713

  AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 30, 1993

Brief Description:  Revising vehicular window tinting labels.

SPONSORS: Representatives Bray, R. Fisher, Grant and Mastin

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Vognild, Chairman; Loveland, Vice Chairman; Drew, Haugen, Oke, Prentice, Prince, M. Rasmussen, and Winsley.

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786‑7322)

Hearing Dates: March 29, 1993; March 30, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, window tinting applied to windows, except the windshield, must have a total reflectance of 35 percent or less, plus or minus 3 percent, and a light transmission of 35 percent or more, plus or minus 3 percent, when measured against clear glass.  Clear glass is designated as "AS-1" by the Department of Transportation.

Most modern cars, however, contain windows that are designated "AS-2" because they contain slight glazing done by the manufacturer.  In order for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to correctly measure the amount of light reflectance and transmission, it must distinguish between the two different types of glass used as the "yardstick."

The current standards for light reflectance and transmission do not adjust for the two different types of glass.

Current law requires the manufacturers of the sunscreening material, rather than the installers, to certify that the window glazing conforms to state law.  Yet RCW 46.37.435 places liability upon the installer for sunscreening materials not in conformance with the minimum standards.  Unlawful installation of sunscreening material is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Finally, current law requires that labels be affixed to the vehicle.  The WSP is directed to enact regulations specifying the size of the labels and the information required on the labels.

SUMMARY:

The minimum light transmission standards are adjusted to take into account the more common AS-2 type glazing applied to modern vehicles.  This provides the Washington State Patrol (WSP) with means to accurately measure light reflectance and transmission on both AS-1 and AS-2 types of glass.

The responsibility for certifying compliance is placed on the installers of window tinting material, since they are also subject to sanctions for improper installation under RCW 46.37.435.

Dimensions and information required for labels are defined in statute, rather than by the WSP.  Each label shall certify that the window tinting materials are in compliance with the minimum regulations.  The labels must be of a certain size, must be affixed to the driver's doorjamb, and must contain the business name and tax identification number of the installer.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will help the State Patrol in measuring the level of tinting applied to windows.  It also allows the installers of the tinting material to develop their own style of stickers certifying compliance with state law.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Representative Lane Bray, prime sponsor; Gary Sullivan, WA Window Tinters Assn.