SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6320

As of January 28, 2004

Title: An act relating to studded tires.

Brief Description: Outlawing studded tires.

Sponsors: Senators Winsley, Kohl-Welles and Carlson; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Highways & Transportation: 1/28/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Greg Doss (786-7341)

Background: The Legislature and the Governor formed the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation in 1998 to assess the local, regional, and state transportation system; ensure that current and future money is spent wisely; make the system more accountable and predictable; and prepare a 20-year plan for funding and investing in the transportation system.

The commission made 18 recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Recommendation Five outlined several ways to invest in maintenance, preservation, and improvement of the entire transportation system so that transportation benchmarks can be achieved. The commission concluded that one method for preserving the transportation system was to phase out studded tires or establish a surcharge to recognize the cost of studded tire damage to the roadways.

In 1999 the Legislature enacted a bill requiring wholesalers to sell only lightweight studs for tires. Starting January 1, 2000, wholesalers could sell only lightweight studded tires to tire dealers in Washington. Tire dealers could sell heavier metal studs only until July 1, 2001.

In 2004, the Washington State Transportation Commission passed a resolution to request that the Legislature outlaw all studded tires. This bill is the agency request legislation.

Summary of Bill: Statutory language that allows the use of studded tires is removed. Statutory language that prohibits studded tires is retained. School buses and emergency vehicles cannot use studded tires.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2004.