SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 23

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representative Sutherland)

Authorizing green lights on private cars of emergency medical personnel.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987; February 17, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, Metcalf, Owen.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 18, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Fire fighters in the state are authorized the use of green lights which have been approved by the State Patrol on their private vehicles.  The light is to identify to the public the vehicle is being used in an emergency situation.  The green light on private vehicles is authorized only for the purpose of identification and does not authorize special privileges extended to emergency vehicles.

Identification signs or plates also are authorized for private vehicles of bona fide members of fire departments.

SUMMARY:

Green lights are permitted to be used by emergency medical personnel on their private cars.  Authorization for the use of green lights must be obtained from the chief of the respective fire district or fire department.  Identification signs or plates are authorized for use on private vehicles of bona fide members of an emergency medical service. 

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The green lights of emergency vehicles must be of a type approved by the State Patrol in lieu of the Commission on Equipment, whose duties and functions in general have been transferred to the Patrol.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Dean Sutherland, sponsor