SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5293

                    As of January 31, 1997

Title:  An act relating to motor vehicle emission inspections.

Brief Description:  Removing the requirement of an emission inspection upon change of vehicle registration.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  2/5/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:   Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  At the present time, whenever a title is changed for a motor vehicle and that motor vehicle is in an area where motor vehicle inspections for emissions are required, an inspection must occur at the time of the transfer of the vehicle, even though the automobile may have been inspected within the last two-year period as required elsewhere in law.  Motor vehicles are inspected on a two-year basis by certified vehicle inspection stations.  The authority for the vehicle emission inspection program is under the Department of Ecology.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement that vehicles be inspected at each change of registered owner is eliminated.  Vehicles in areas requiring emission inspections will be undertaken once every two years. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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