SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6423
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 Passed Senate, February 10, 2012
Title: An act relating to the definition of farm vehicle.
Brief Description: Concerning the definition of farm vehicle.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King and Holmquist Newbry).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/31/12, 2/01/12 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/10/12, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6423 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Frockt, Hobbs, Litzow, Prentice, Rolfes, Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Generally under current state law, drivers of commercial motor vehicles must first obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and applicable endorsements valid for the vehicle they are driving. Farmers operating farm vehicles are exempt from the CDL requirement, when the farm vehicles are used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies, or any combination of those materials to or from a farm. However, the general definition of farm vehicle, applicable throughout the broader Motor Vehicles code (Title 46 RCW), is limited to those vehicles only incidentally operated on public highways for the purpose of going from one farm to another.
Summary of Substitute Bill: The general definition of farm vehicle applicable to the Motor Vehicles code is revised to conform with the use of that term within the specific CDL exemption provided for farmers operating farm vehicles.
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: PRO: This bill provides a good clarification to make the farm vehicle definitions consistent throughout the code and helps for enforcement purposes.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Tim Boyd, WA State Potato Commission.