SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5161

                    As of February 2, 1999

Title:  An act relating to toll discounts for food bank vehicles.

Brief Description:  Granting toll discounts to food bank vehicles.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Haugen, Winsley and Bauer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/2/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786-7322)

Background:  Currently the Washington State Ferry system does not discount tolls for public or private nonprofit organizations.  Some nonprofit organizations, by the very nature of their mission, depend on use of state ferries to deliver essential public services.  Food banks that collect and distribute unprepared food depend on the ferry system to reach certain parts of the state.

Summary of Bill:  Vehicles registered to food banks that make 12 or more one-way crossings per month qualify for a 20 percent discount from the regular ferry tolls.  A "food bank" means a local private or public nonprofit food program that collects, warehouses, and distributes unprepared food items on a regular basis without charge.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested.

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