"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that the motor vehicle fuel tax is the primary source of funding for the state's transportation system. As the state's fleet changes from motor vehicles powered by traditional sources, such as gasoline and diesel, to those powered by electricity, the ability of the state to fund the maintenance and preservation of the transportation system is compromised. In order to mitigate the impacts of the diminishing motor vehicle fuel tax, and to create a system where each driver pays for a fair portion of his or her use of the road, an increased vehicle weight fee is imposed on electric vehicles.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 46.17 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Before accepting an application for an annual vehicle registration renewal for an electric vehicle that uses a fuel or propulsion type that is not subject to the payment of a motor vehicle fuel tax or special fuel tax, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require the applicant to pay a vehicle weight fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The vehicle weight fee is due at the time of annual vehicle registration renewal. The vehicle weight fee is the difference determined by subtracting the vehicle license fee required in RCW 46.17.350 from the license fee in Schedule B of RCW 46.17.355, plus an additional ten dollar vehicle weight fee and an additional two dollars, and must be distributed under RCW 46.68.415. The department shall rely on motor vehicle empty scale weights provided by vehicle manufacturers, or other sources as defined by the department, to determine the weight of each electric vehicle.
     (2) This section only applies to:
     (a) An electric vehicle that is designed to have the capability to drive at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour; and
     (b) An annual vehicle registration renewal that is due on or after March 1, 2012.
     (3) The vehicle weight fee under this section is imposed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of vehicles on state roads and highways, and is separate and distinct from other required state vehicle license fees.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Section 2 of this act expires on the effective date of legislation enacted by the legislature that imposes a vehicle miles traveled fee or tax.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The department of licensing must provide written notice of the expiration date of section 2 of this act to affected parties, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the department."