FINAL BILL REPORT
ESSB 5889
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. |
C 30 L 14
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Modifying snowmobile license fees.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Schlicher, Fain, Hatfield, Hewitt, Fraser and Kohl-Welles).
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Appropriations
Background: The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) administers a winter recreation program that includes 120 sno-parks statewide. Approximately 80 of these sno-parks are used primarily for snowmobile trail access and the other 40 provide non-motorized trail access for cross-country skiers. The snowmobile program and the non-motorized program are separately funded and must be financially self supporting. The snowmobile program is funded from snowmobile registration fees and a percentage of the state gasoline tax, which is $0.23 per gallon of fuel, based on 135 gallons of fuel usage per year per registered snowmobile. The non-motorized program is funded by the proceeds from the sno-park parking permit fees. The Snowmobile Advisory Committee and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee advise the Commission on the use of funds for costs associated with snow removal, trail grooming, enforcement, equipment purchases, safety education, and program administration.
Generally, snowmobiles must be registered with the Department of Licensing if owned and operated in the state, and display a snowmobile decal. The initial fee and annual registration fee is $30. The owner of a registered snowmobile receives a free annual sno-park permit. A vintage snowmobile is defined as a snowmobile that was manufactured at least 30 years ago. The registration fee for a vintage snowmobile is $12 annually.
Summary: The snowmobile initial and renewal registration fees are increased from $30 to $40 until October 1, 2015, for registrations due on or after October 1, 2014. The snowmobile initial and renewal registration fees are increased from $40 to $50 for registrations due on or after October 1, 2015.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 38 | 9 | |
House | 75 | 23 |
Effective: | June 12, 2014 |
October 1, 2015 (Section 2) |