SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5128
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 of January 29, 2019
Title: An act relating to reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.
Brief Description: Reducing the electric motorcycle registration renewal fee.
Sponsors: Senators Rolfes, Braun, Mullet, Nguyen and Fortunato.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/28/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background: In addition to any other fees due at annual vehicle registration, vehicles that are powered by electricity, including electric motorcycles, are subject to two electric vehicle registration renewal fees that total $150. The first fee of $100 is distributed to:
70 percent to the Motor Vehicle Fund;
15 percent to the Transportation Improvement Account; and
15 percent to the Rural Arterial Trust Account.
The second fee of $50 is distributed as follows:
the first $1 million raised by the fee must be deposited into the Multimodal Transportation Account; and
any remaining amounts must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.
Summary of Bill: After July 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2019.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The electrical vehicle fee was established to replace the gas tax for electrical vehicles. The fee was set to high based on the gas mileage and impact of electrical motorcycles. This changes the rate to be more comparable to the actual usage rate and makes sure they pay their fair share. This also incentivizes the use electrical motorcycles which helps with greenhouses gasses, reduces congestion, and helps with parking issues. A motorcycle has one-eighth the footprint of a car.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Christine Rolfes, Prime Sponsor; Brian Lange, ABATE of Washington; Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association; Roger Coulter, citizen.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.