SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6273
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, January 24, 2008
Title: An act relating to the nondivisible gross weight limit of farm implements on public highways.
Brief Description: Addressing the nondivisible gross weight limit of farm implements on public highways.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/08, 1/24/08 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6273 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, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Dory Nicpon (786-7321)
Background: Current law restricts the length, width, and weight of vehicles that may operate
on public highways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized to issue special
permits to vehicles that exceed the length, width, or weight restrictions. DOT may issue annual
permits to farm implements with a gross weight less than 45,000 pounds.
Many modern farm implements have a gross weight greater than 45,000 pounds.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The weight restriction for vehicles that may operate on a farm implement special permit is increased to 65,000 pounds. Vehicles operating on a farm implement special permit must comply with the statute that governs the distribution of the vehicle's weight over a specified wheelbase and number of axles.
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 on Recommended Substitute: PRO: This bill will bring more vehicles into compliance. Demands for increased efficiency have caused the size of modern farm implements to increase. This bill will enable farmers to be more efficient in a competitive market.
Persons Testifying: PRO: T.K. Bentler, Northwest Food Processors Association; Bob Whitfield, National Frozen Foods; Jack Field, Washington Cattlemen's Association.