FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1966

C 142 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Clarifying that animal manure is an agricultural product for the purposes of commercial drivers' licenses.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Pearson, Haler and Bailey).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Washington, a person generally must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with the applicable endorsements for the vehicle he or she is driving. To receive a CDL from Washington, an applicant must be a resident of the state, pass knowledge and skills tests that comply with minimum federal standards, and successfully complete a course of instruction that has been approved by the Director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) or be certified by an employer as having the skills and training necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

The following operators are exempt from the requirement to hold a CDL in the specified circumstances:

• a firefighter or law enforcement officer operating emergency equipment who has completed an approved driver training course;

• the operator of a recreational vehicle used for noncommercial purposes;

• the operator of a commercial motor vehicle for military purposes; or

• the operator of a farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer. The vehicle itself must be used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm. In addition, the vehicle may not be used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier, and it must be used within 150 miles of the person's farm.

Summary:

Animal manure and animal manure compost are added to the list of products that may be carried by the operator of a farm vehicle under the CDL exemption for operators of farm vehicles.

Votes on Final Passage: