NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   If politicians impose a vehicle tax based on the value of the vehicle, vehicle owners have a right to a valuation schedule based on the vehicle's purchase price and not the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   A new section is added to chapter 82.44 RCW to read as follows:
     (1)(a) A motor vehicle excise tax must be calculated in an honest and accurate way. For the purpose of determining any motor vehicle excise tax otherwise authorized by law, any taxing district imposing a motor vehicle excise tax must set a vehicle's taxable value by using the depreciation schedule set forth in this section. The taxable value equals the product of a percentage based on a vehicle's year of service, as provided in subsection (2) of this section, and the latest purchase price of the vehicle. The purchase price for the first year of service must be determined by the bill of sale provided by buyer and seller, subject to the exemptions, exceptions, and definitions provided by this section, and must be affirmed by declaration by both parties.
     (b) The legislature intends that this section is to ensure an honest and accurate calculation of the tax. It is further the intent of the legislature that this section, when combined with the appeal process in RCW 82.44.065, will ensure that vehicle owners are taxed fairly.
     (2) For the purpose of determining the tax under this chapter, the value of a truck-type power or trailing unit, or motor vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, motor home, sport-utility vehicle, or light-duty truck must be the latest purchase price of the vehicle, excluding applicable federal excise taxes, state and local sales or use taxes, transportation or shipping costs, or preparatory or delivery costs, multiplied by the following percentage based on year of service of the vehicle since its most recent sale. The year the vehicle is offered for sale as a new vehicle must be considered the first year of service.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   RCW 82.44.035 (Valuation of vehicles) and 2010 c 161 s 910 & 2006 c 318 s 1 are each repealed.

Sec. 10   RCW 82.44.065 and 2010 c 161 s 912 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) If the department determines a value for a vehicle ((equivalent to a manufacturer's base suggested retail price)) under section 2 of this act or the value of a truck or trailer under ((RCW 82.44.035)) section 2 of this act, any person who pays a locally imposed tax for that vehicle may appeal the valuation to the department under chapter 34.05 RCW. If the taxpayer is successful on appeal, the department ((shall)) must refund the excess tax in the manner provided in RCW 82.44.120.
     (2) The legislature intends for this section to ensure an honest and accurate calculation of the tax."