HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1029



         As Reported by House Committee On:       
Transportation

Title: An act relating to all-terrain vehicles.

Brief Description: Regulating ATVs.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Rodne, B. Sullivan and Anderson.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/28/05, 3/5/05 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • All-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators must have a safety certificate when driving on public lands.
  • The Department of Licensing must create an ATV safety education training program.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Murray, Chair; Wallace, Vice Chair; Appleton, Dickerson, Hankins, Hudgins, Jarrett, Lovick, Morris, Nixon, Rodne, Sells, Simpson, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Woods, Ranking Minority Member; Skinner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buck, Campbell, Curtis, Ericksen, Kilmer and Shabro.

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Current law regulates certain aspects of the use and operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs), which include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). These regulations include an operating permit requirement, certain equipment standards to lawfully operate on non-highway roads, and various restrictions on the manner and location in which an ORV may be operated.

Current law does not include safety education or training requirements for ORVs.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill:


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2007.

Testimony For: According to a 2003 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, from 1997 to 2001 the estimated number of ATV-related injures treated in hospitals rose from 54,700 to 111,700. The report also indicates the risk is substantially larger for younger riders, and that drivers with less than one year of driving experience have the highest risk, and that children under 16 suffer more injuries. ATV dealers offer training, but in 2001 only about seven percent of ATV operators took advantage of this training.

(With concerns) ATV manufacturers already offer free training to purchasers and immediate family members.

Testimony Against: ATV manufacturers already offer free training to purchasers and immediate family members. The bill would have a negative fiscal impact. The bill requires the Department of Licensing to approve helmets and eye protection, with is currently a Washington State Patrol responsibility.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Simpson, prime sponsor; and Frank J. Warnke, Advocates, Inc./Motorcycle Industry Council.

(With concerns) John Eaton.

(Opposed) Ginger Magures, American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Washington, Washington Road Riders Association, and Motorcycle Riders Foundation; Carl Spurgeon, Department of Licensing; and Larry L. Walker, Washington Road Riders Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.