SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 3183


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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 26, 2008

Title: An act relating to exempting park maintenance equipment operated by certain local jurisdictions from vehicle license and license plate requirements.

Brief Description: Exempting park maintenance equipment operated by certain local jurisdictions from vehicle license and license plate requirements.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives McDonald, Flannigan and Dunn).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/15/08, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/21/08, 2/26/08 [DPA].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

Staff: Natalie Zukowski (786-7300)

Background: Under current law, a vehicle operating on public roads and highways must have a current vehicle license issued by the Department of Licensing. Certain vehicles are exempt from this requirement.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Park maintenance equipment is any motorized equipment other than a motor vehicle operated by a city, county, park and recreational district, or metropolitan park district during daylight hours on city or county roads primarily for maintenance, and not for transportation. This equipment is required to be adequately equipped with wheels or pads that do not damage the roadway and may not travel for more than one mile. Equipment must have a slow moving vehicle emblem and be accompanied by an escort car with proper flashing lights on the roof.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Adds restrictions to the exempt movement of park maintenance equipment including: distance, signage, accompaniment of an escort car, and roadway damage.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill: PRO: Currently cities must load equipment on a trailer or arrange for a police escort to transport park maintenance equipment. This bill will help a number of cities comply with the law.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative McDonald, prime sponsor; Jim Reinbold, Kurt Reuter, City of Fife.