SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2242

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, March 2, 2020

Title: An act relating to travel trailers.

Brief Description: Concerning travel trailers.

Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Orcutt, Chapman, Bergquist, Dufault, Blake, Shewmake, Gildon and Irwin.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/20, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/24/20, 3/02/20 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases, to 46 feet, the maximum length of a travel trailer authorized to be operated on a public highway.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Lovelett, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7472)

Background: No person may operate on the public highways any vehicle with an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 40 feet.

This restriction does not apply to:

Summary of Bill: A person may operate a travel trailer having an overall length of up to 46 feet on a public highway.

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: PRO: This bill will help RV dealers and people who own and operate these trailers. These vehicles are already out safely operating on the road and have been for years. The bill would bring the state into line with the everyday practice of manufacturers, dealers, and consumers.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sharon Wylie, Prime Sponsor; Grant Nelson, RV Industry Association.

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