FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5117

C 33 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Regulating the sale, distribution, and installation of air bags.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Eide and Kohl-Welles).

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: Under current law, the Washington State Patrol is required to enforce vehicle equipment laws and may adopt rules relating to vehicle equipment standards. However, current law, both in statute and in rule, does not specifically address standards governing the installation or distribution of previously deployed air bags.

Summary: Persons who knowingly install, reinstall, or distribute as an auto part previously deployed motor vehicle air bags are guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If found guilty under this provision, defendants are subject to a maximum $5,000 fine and/or a one-year jail sentence.

When previously deployed air bags are replaced, either by new air bags or salvaged air bags that have not yet been deployed, the replacement air bag must conform to manufacturer requirements. Installers must verify, when replacing air bag systems, that the entire air bag system is operating properly.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       47  1

House       87  4

Effective: July 27, 2003