SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6486
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 6, 2006
Title: An act relating to commercial driver's licenses reciprocity agreements.
Brief Description: Permitting commercial driver's license reciprocity agreements.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Morton, Sheldon and Delvin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/26/06, 2/6/06 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Benson, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Eide, Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Sheldon, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In order to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Washington on public
highways, generally a person must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with the applicable
endorsements for the vehicle they are driving. Exempt from this requirement are the following:
1) The operator of a farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer. The vehicle itself
must be used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or
from a farm. Additionally, the vehicle cannot be used in the operations of a common or
contract motor carrier and it must be used within one hundred fifty miles of the person's
farm;
2) A firefighter or law enforcement officer operating emergency equipment who has
completed an approved driver training course; and
3) The operator of a recreational vehicle used for noncommercial purposes.
Federal rules prohibit these exemptions in Washington for non-Washington CDL holders unless
there is a reciprocity agreement in place with adjoining states.
Summary of Bill: The Department of Licensing is directed to enter into reciprocity agreements with adjoining states.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: Many farms are located at the borders which makes this bill a necessity.
Testimony Against: None.
Who Testified: PRO: Senator Mark Schoesler, prime sponsor.