SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6705

                    As of February 4, 1998

Title:  An act relating to restrictions on hazardous material on state ferries.

Brief Description:  Restricting hazardous materials on state ferries.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, Haugen, Benton, Goings, B. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Bauer, Strannigan, Deccio, Rasmussen, Oke, Morton, Horn, Schow, Stevens and Spanel.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/4/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Hanlon (786-7316)

Background:  The Washington State Ferries (WSF) may be used for the transportation of hazardous materials when established route operations and normal user requirements are not disrupted.

The rate to charter a WSF for purposes of hazardous materials transport includes the actual operating costs, plus 50 percent.  Actual operating costs include, but are not limited to, all labor, fuel and vessel maintenance costs incurred due to the charter agreement.  Hazardous materials transporters must pay all legs necessary to complete a charter, even if the vessel is simultaneously engaged in an operational voyage on behalf of WSF.

All hazardous materials charters are subject to a written charter agreement.

Summary of Bill:  Commercial tanker trucks, with or without tank trailers, containing motor fuels or their vapors are considered hazardous materials not to be transported on regularly scheduled passenger runs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 2, 1998.

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