SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2362

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Transportation, March 4, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the motorcycle skills education course participation fee.

Brief Description:  Adjusting the motorcycle skills course fee.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hatfield, Hankins, Cooper and Anderson; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/28/02, 3/4/02 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Benton, Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, Kastama, McAuliffe, Prentice, T. Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  In 1982, legislation passed requiring the Department of Licensing to create a voluntary motorcycle operator training and education program to provide public awareness of motorcycle safety and to provide classroom and on-cycle training.

Also in 1982, the motorcycle safety education account was created to fund the motorcycle operator training and education program.  The motorcycle safety and education account is comprised of funds from fees from motorcycle endorsements, renewals, exams, and instruction permits.  Monies deposited into the motorcycle safety and education account must only be used for motorcycle examinations and for the motorcycle operator training and education program.

Under current law, persons wishing to take a training course in the motorcycle operator training and education program are required to pay no more than $50.  The remainder of the cost is paid out of the motorcycle safety and education account.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The maximum fee for persons 18 years of age and older taking a training course in the motorcycle safety and education program is raised from $50 to $100.  The maximum fee for persons under the age of 18 remains at $50.

The Department of Licensing is to enter into agreements to review and certify that a private motorcycle education course meets the standards of the motorcycle operator training and education program.  The department may conduct audits to ensure standards are met at the cost of the private party seeking certification.

The department may waive all or part of the motorcycle endorsement examination for persons who complete the private motorcycle skills education course that has been certified by the department.

Only Washington residents and military personnel stationed in Washington can take the course at the subsidized rates.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The striking amendment allows the Department of Licensing to enter into agreements to review and certify that a private motorcycle education course meets the standards of the motorcycle operator training and education program.  The department may conduct audits to ensure standards are met at the cost of the private party seeking certification.  The department may waive all or part of the motorcycle endorsement examination for persons who complete the private motorcycle skills education course that has been certified by the department.  Only Washington residents and military personnel stationed in Washington can take the course at the subsidized rates.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This will allow us to train about 2500 more students each year.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Carl Spurgeon, Department of Licensing, (pro).