HB 2143-S.E - DIGEST
(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/19/2008)

Finds that lead hazards associated with lead wheel weights represent a preventable environmental health problem. Lead wheel weights fall off of vehicle wheels along Washington's roadways.

Requires the department to establish an advisory committee, in consultation with the department of health, the traffic safety commission, and the department of general administration, to identify and make readily available to tire distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and auto manufacturers by January 1, 2009, an approved list of environmentally preferred alternatives to lead wheel weights that are available for purchase.

Provides that use of environmentally preferred alternative wheel weights is required at the time of the first tire replacement or the first tire balancing after: (1) January 1, 2010, for all state-owned vehicles;

(2) January 1, 2011, for all used vehicles registered in Washington state; and

(3) January 1, 2012, for all new vehicles registered in Washington state.

Provides that failure of a person that installs wheel weights to comply with this act is punishable by a civil penalty.