SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6107

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.

Title: An act relating to reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.

Brief Description: Reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Rolfes and Mullet).

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/17/18, 2/05/18 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 3/05/18, 47-2.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Lowers the additional annual registration fee on electric motorcycles from $150 to $30.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6107 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, Liias, McCoy, O'Ban, Sheldon, Takko, Wellman and Zeiger.

Background: In addition to any other fees due at annual vehicle registration, vehicles that are powered by electricity, including electric motorcycles, are subject to a licensing fee of $150.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: Between the effective date of the bill and March 31, 2019, an exemption is established to refund $120 of the $150 electric vehicle fee on motorcycles if the individual submits a rebate application. After April 1, 2019, the additional annual registration fee for electric motorcycles is lowered from $150 to $30. The additional fee for electric motorcycles is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.

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. PRO: The bill corrects an incorrect application of the electric licensing fee to motorcycles. The difference in gas versus electric motorcycles is not the same as for standard cars. As opposed to cars, an electric motorcycle cannot be used throughout the year. This created a disparity that this bill fixes. The change will promote the use of electric motorcycles.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Christine Rolfes, Prime Sponsor; Brian Lange, ABATE of Washington; Roger Coulter, citizen.