HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 6076

As Amended by the House

BYSenators Thorsness, Murray, Barr, Stratton, Metcalf, Saling, McCaslin, Madsen, Warnke, Anderson, Amondson and West

Creating motorcycle public awareness program.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (16)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Betrozoff, Cooper, G. Fisher, R. Fisher, Haugen, Heavey, Jones, Kremen, R. Meyers, Nelson, Prentice, Smith, Todd, Walker and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state of Minnesota initiated a multi-media motorcycle public awareness program seven years ago.  The program developed motorcycle safety public service announcements for television, radio and newspapers in addition to a quarterly newsletter mailed to all registered motorcyclists.  The program is tied into a statewide motorcycle safety education training program and is funded through motorcycle registration fees.  Minnesota licensing officials feel that the program has significantly reduced motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

Other states recently adopting similar public awareness programs include California, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Texas, Maryland, New Hampshire, Colorado, Massachusetts and Oregon.  The media programming provides safety advice to remind drivers of the difficulties encountered by both motorcyclists and other vehicles while sharing the same roadway.

Washington State law requires that every applicant for a motorcycle endorsement to his or her driver's license pay a fee of $7.00.  The fee for the renewal endorsement is $5.00.  The renewal endorsement fee, and $5.00 of the initial endorsement fee, are deposited in the Motorcycle Safety Education Account and appropriated to fund the motorcycle safety education program.  The remaining $2.00 of the initial endorsement fee is deposited in the Highway Safety Fund to cover the costs of motorcycle testing and exams.

Anyone under age 18 applying for a motorcycle endorsement must complete a motorcycle safety education course that meets standards established by the Department of Licensing.

SUMMARY:

Beginning July 1, 1989, the Director of the Department of Licensing shall develop a motorcycle public awareness program, provided funds are appropriated.  The director may contract with public and private entities for the operation of the program.

A Motorcycle Public Awareness Advisory Board is created to assist the director in program development.  The board shall consist of nine members, one of whom the director shall appoint chairperson.  Three of the board members shall represent nonprofit motorcycle organizations which actively support and promote motorcycle safety education.  The remainder of the board will be composed of a representative from a motorcycle dealership or related shops; a State Patrol motorcycle officer with five years experience and at least one year cumulative experience as a motorcycle officer; a member of the public; a motorcycle safety instructor with at least two years' teaching experience; the Director of Licensing; and a member of the Legislative Transportation Committee.  The term of appointment shall be two years.

The Motorcycle Public Awareness Board will meet at the call of the director, at least three times annually.  The board receives no compensation for services but will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

The board must submit a proposed public awareness program of motorcycle safety to the director and to the Legislative Transportation Committee for review and approval prior to January 1, 1990.

The motorcycle examination fee is clarified as being $2.00.  The special endorsement or new category endorsement for motorcyclists is increased from $5.00 to $6.00; the renewal endorsement fee is increased from $5.00 to $7.50.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Carl Verduin, Bike Pac of Washington; Robin Torner, ABATE of Washington; Don Mapp, Department of Licensing.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The motorcycle public awareness program is provided with a developmental period.  The motorcycle endorsement fees are increased to provide program funding.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.