Brief Description: Modifying snowmobile registration.

Sponsors: By Representative Ericksen.

House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

All snowmobiles owned, transported, or operated in the state must be registered annually with the Department of Licensing (DOL). The annual registration fee is established by the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission), in consultation with the Snowmobile Advisory Committee. The Snowmobile Advisory Committee advises the Commission on the planned development of snowmobile facilities and programs and consists of snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and representatives from the Washington State Association of Counties and state agencies.

The snowmobile registration fee was adjusted in the 2001 Operating Budget by increasing the amount from $20 to $30 by September 30, 2002. Registration fees are deposited in the Snowmobile Account. The Legislature appropriates funds in the account to the Commission for snowmobile-related programs and activities such as trail grooming. The DOL estimates that there are 162 snowmobiles registered that were manufactured at least 30 years ago.

Summary:

A vintage snowmobile is defined as a snowmobile that was manufactured at least 30 years ago. The annual registration fee for vintage snowmobiles is $12. Vintage snowmobiles operated within the state must be registered with the DOL. The DOL is required to design a distinct registration decal for vintage snowmobiles in cooperation with the State Parks and Recreation Commission. The $12 annual vintage registration fee is effective for registrations due on October 1, 2005, and thereafter.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   2
Senate   42   0   (Senate amended)
House   94   2   (House concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005