SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5147

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 31, 2017

Title: An act relating to exemptions from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Brief Description: Providing an exemption from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs and King.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/17, 1/31/17 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Adds an exemption to the statute limiting front extensions from vehicles to three feet for public transit vehicles with bike racks that do not extend more than four feet beyond the front bumper.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5147 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Hawkins, O'Ban, Saldaña, Takko, Van De Wege, Walsh and Wilson.

Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)

Background: Current law requires that the load or any portion of a vehicle on a public highway may not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper, or front wheels if not equipped with a front bumper. Current law includes an exemption for front-loading garbage and recycling trucks doing collections on route at speeds no more than 20 miles per hour.

The Washington State Department of Transportation may issue special permits for vehicles exceeding the length limitations set forth in statute. Washington Administrative Code currently allows special permits for a vehicle with a front overhang "not exceeding four feet beyond the three foot legal limit." The citation amount for a violation of the statute without such a permit is $179.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Public transit vehicles equipped with a bike rack that extends no more than four feet from the bumper are exempt from the requirement that a vehicle's load shall not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper or front wheels.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): Caps the exemption for public transit vehicles with a bike rack to 4 feet beyond the bumper.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill : The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. This is a good bill that helps all communities around the state. The bill would accommodate buses with bike racks holding three bikes, rather than bike racks that hold just two bikes as under the current limit. The bill will provide intermodal connections, help WSDOT and transit agencies avoid the bureaucratic annual permit process, and provide a long-term solution. A four-foot limit would probably be acceptable to the transit agencies as an alternative to the underlying bill.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Hobbs, Prime Sponsor; Justin Leighton, Washington State Transit Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.