HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESSB 5179
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to snowmobile registrations.
Brief Description: Modifying snowmobile registration provisions.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama and Rasmussen).
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/27/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.
Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).
Background:
Snowmobiles must be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL) if owned,
transported, or operated in Washington. There are specific exemptions for snowmobiles
owned by a government entity or those owned by out-of-state residents temporarily operating
snowmobiles in Washington.
Registration fees for snowmobiles are set in state law at $30 per year for snowmobiles less
than 30 years old and $12 per year for snowmobiles older than 30 years. Fees are deposited
into the Snowmobile Account and appropriated to the State Parks and Recreation
Commission for snowmobile purposes (e.g., operation and maintenance of snowmobile
facilities, and the implementation of safety and education programs).
Summary of Bill:
Snowmobiles must be registered with the DOL only if operated in Washington. A person
who owns or transports a snowmobile in Washington, but does not operate it, is not required
to register the snowmobile.
Language directing the registration fees to be established by the State Parks and Recreation
Commission is deleted.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Snowmobiles are the one vehicle that you have to pay a licensing fee for even if
you don't use the snowmobile, so this bill addresses an equity issue.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Kastama, prime sponsor; and Howard Briggs, Washington Snowmobile Association.