SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5304
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 Passed Senate, March 6, 2007
Title: An act relating to special fuel taxes.
Brief Description: Providing an exemption from special fuel taxes for regional transit authorities.
Sponsors: Senators Eide, Tom, Haugen, Shin and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/2007, 2/12/07 [DP, DNP, w/oRec].
Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 40-8.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Benton and Holmquist.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Clements.
Staff: Martha Hankins (786-7429)
Background: State taxes on vehicle fuels provide a primary source of transportation funding in
Washington. The motor vehicle fuel tax applies to gasoline; other gas and liquid fuels, including
diesel, natural gas, propane, and butane, are subject to the special fuel tax.
Urban passenger transportation systems are defined as having a seating capacity of over 15
persons and passenger fares as the principal source of revenue. They are exempt from paying the
state special fuel taxes except for direct or connecting bus routes not extending 25 miles beyond
the county of origin.
Summary of Bill: The definition of "urban passenger transportation systems" is modified to
specifically include systems operated by a regional transit authority authorized to operate between
counties. The definition is also modified to include any urban transportation provider that has
passenger fare collections as a source of revenue.
Regional transportation authority routes can extend more than 25 miles beyond the corporate
limits of the county where the trip originates and still be eligible for the special fuel tax
exemption.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Expressing support for the bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ron Main, Sound Transit.