SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5797
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, March 1, 2007
Title: An act relating to motorcycle endorsement verification.
Brief Description: Requiring motorcycle endorsement verification before registration renewal.
Sponsors: Senators Clements, Haugen, Holmquist, Murray, Delvin, Sheldon, Shin, Benton and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/12/07, 3/01/07 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5797 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Eide, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Holmquist.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In order to operate a motorcycle one must have both a valid driver's license and a special endorsement authorizing the driving of such a vehicle.
Summary of Bill: The Department of Licensing is required to verify, at the time of the motorcycle registration renewal, that all registered owners of motorcycles have the special motorcycle endorsement.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Transportation): It is clarified that motorcycle endorsements are required upon vehicle registration renewals due on or after March 1, 2008. Department of Licensing is authorized to adopt rules for situations when the registered owner of a motorcycle is not the operator of that motorcycle. A $10 surcharge is added to all original and renewed motorcycle endorsements between March 1, 2008, and March 1, 2010.
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: PRO: Getting motorcycle drivers to get their
endorsement will make them safer drivers.
OTHER: There is some ambiguity whether the endorsement must be obtained prior to purchasing
the motorcycle. There needs to be an effective date. There should be provisions for instances
where the registered owner is not the person who will be operating the motorcycle.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Rich Bright, Ginger Magures, American Bikers Aimed Towards
Education of Washington; James Boltz, Washington State Motorsports Dealers Association.
OTHER: Jeff Devere, Washington State Patrol; TK Bentler, Washington State Independent Auto
Dealers; Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association; Glenn Ball, Eric Andersen,
Department of Licensing.