SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1429

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Labor, Commerce & Trade, March 31, 1995

                  Ways & Means, April 3, 1995

Title:  An act relating to manufacturers of recreation vehicles.

Brief Description:  Lessening recreational vehicle regulation.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Lisk, Morris, Chandler, Chappell, L. Thomas, Thompson, Hargrove, Casada and Silver).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  3/28/95, 3/31/95 [DPA].

Ways & Means:  4/3/95 [w/o Rec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fraser, Hale, Newhouse and Palmer.

Staff:  Erika Lim (786-7488)

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries regulates body and frame design and the installation of plumbing, heating, and electrical equipment in RVs, mobile homes, and commercial coaches built, sold or leased in this state.  The department approves plans and specifications and inspects sites where units are manufactured, stored, or sold.  Departmental standards must conform to national standards.

The department issues an insignia to manufacturers to place on RVs, mobile homes and commercial coaches that meet the standards.  It is a misdemeanor to lease or sell an RV, mobile home, or commercial coach in Washington that does not meet standards, i.e., does not have an insignia.  Certain units, such as older units, are exempt from these provisions.

Summary of Amended Bill:  "RV" and "park trailer" are separately defined.  All regulations applicable to RVs are also applicable to park trailers. 

RV and park trailer manufacturers may be self-certified as to compliance with national standards.  Those who self-certify are exempt from statutory regulations.  The director may adopt rules and establish fees to implement this program.

In order to qualify to be self-certifying, the department audits and reviews a manufacturer for its quality control program, its ability to manufacture to national standards, and the on-site availability of plans for the units.  The department may re-evaluate a self-certified manufacturer if the department believes that the manufacturer no longer meets the audit criteria.  The department must conduct a performance audit of industry association quality control programs at least once every two years.  A manufacturer whose application for self-certification was denied must be advised, in writing, of the reasons for denial. 

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  Third-party industry inspectors may not be used for the initial determination that a manufacturer may become self-certified.  Only the department may make that determination after an audit and review of a manufacturer.  A periodic performance audit is required.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This lessens regulation on RV manufacturers while still ensuring consumer safety and protection.  It is a voluntary program for manufacturers and they must prove that they can meet national standards.  The department can refuse or revoke certifications if it believes that the manufacturer is not building to those ANSI standards.

Testimony Against:  This provides little or no consumer protection because many manufacturers are turning out substandard RVs under the current system.

Testified:  Dan Sexton, UA Plumbers (con); Jim Arvan, consumer (con); Mark Brown L&I; Daniel Wolfenburger; Connie Gallant, Ray and Jane Erickson, James Johnson, J.D. Gallant, RV Lookout, RV Adventurer's Club; Stu Halsan, Western RV of Yakima (pro); Bill Doyle, CEO, Western RV of Yakima (pro).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Without recommendation.

  Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chair; Bauer, Cantu, Drew, Finkbeiner, Fraser, Hochstatter, Johnson, Long, McDonald, Pelz, Roach, Snyder, Spanel, Strannigan, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Tracy Cox (786-7437)

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.