Title: An act relating to vehicle sound system equipment.

Brief Description: Requiring vehicle sound system components to be securely attached.

Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Pearson, Lovick, Kristiansen, Morrell, P. Sullivan, Murray, Wallace, Chase and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/05, 82-16.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/23/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Weinstein.

Staff: Dalene Sprick (786-7321)

Background: Current law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the placement of sound system components (such as stereo speakers) on or within a vehicle.

Summary of Bill: All vehicle sound system components must be securely attached to the vehicle so that they cannot become dislodged or loose during the operation of the vehicle. Failure to do so is a traffic infraction.

Enforcement may only be accomplished as a secondary action.

The Traffic Safety Commission must within their existing budget, create and implement a statewide educational program regarding the risks of unsecured vehicle sound system components. The program will include information regarding securely attaching components regardless of where they are located, so they will not become dislodged or loose during the operation of the vehicle.

This act must be known as the "Courtney Amission Act".

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill will save lives. Items that people would reasonable assume to be secured within a vehicle should be secured. It seems like it should be common sense however it isn't. We need this bill to prevent injuries and deaths. Bolting speakers in a vehicle is a very simple, inexpensive process.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Hans Dunshee; Carol Amisson; Brandon Scriber; and Gina McKinney.