Brief Description: Setting a fee for operation of overweight eductor trucks.

Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Kristiansen, Lovick and Sells.

Hearing Date: 1/26/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Current law sets size and weight limits for vehicles to travel on state highways (these size and weight limits mirror federal requirements). The law makes exceptions for certain overweight or oversized vehicles with the issuance of a permit by the Department of Transportation. The fees for the permits are deposited to the Motor Vehicle Account.

Summary of Bill:

An overweight permit is created for eductor trucks, which vacuum and transport storm and waste water. With the permit, eductor trucks may travel on state highways for one year carrying up to 6,000 pounds over the standard weight limits on the rear axle of a two-axle truck, or up to an additional 13,000 pounds on the tandem axles of a three-axle truck.

The permit fee is $42 per thousand pounds.

Organizations operating overweight eductor trucks must maintain a current list of their vehicles and the vehicles' specifications with the Department of Transportation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2005.