SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5979

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, January 23, 2014

Title: An act relating to provisions governing commercial motor vehicles.

Brief Description: Modifying provisions governing commercial motor vehicles.

Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, King, Pearson and O'Ban; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/22/14, 1/23/14 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Angel, Brown, Cleveland, Liias, Mullet and Rolfes.

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to be eligible for Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funds, states must comply with certain federal laws. Recent audits by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found the following Washington State laws to be out of compliance with federal regulations:

Summary of Bill: The following changes are made to conform with federal law:

Additionally, the entity responsible for establishing a list of railroad crossings where stopping is not required is changed from WSP to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: These changes are needed to meet federal requirements. The UTC has very limited jurisdiction over providing exemptions to requirements to stop at railroad crossings. Prior to 2010, school buses did not need to stop at railroad crossings. The Superintendent of Public Instruction granted limited exemptions where stopping creates a hazard, such as in an intersection. They would like to work with WSP and UTC informally to identify solutions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Allan Jones, OSPI; Rob Huss, WSP; Ann Rendahl, UTC.