SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1596

BYRepresentatives R. Meyers, Patrick, Wood, Jones, Heavey, Winsley, R. Fisher, P. King, Ferguson and Day

Funding motorcycle safety education.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989; February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Hansen, McMullen, Murray, Nelson, Patrick.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The first assessment placed on all traffic fines and forfeitures occurred in 1963.  The surcharge was dedicated to the funding of a statewide traffic safety driver's education program administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Several years later the assessments were increased and a portion of the surcharge was allotted to the courts.

In 1985 the Public Safety and Education Account (PSEA) was established, placing a 60 percent assessment on court fines and forfeitures for the purpose of funding the following programs: traffic safety education, highway safety, criminal justice training, crime victims' compensation, judicial education, the judicial information system, winter recreation parking, and state game programs.  The PSEA receives 32 percent of both the base penalty and the 60 percent assessment.  The remainder is kept by local jurisdictions.  In 1986, the Legislature added a second assessment of 30 percent of the base penalty, all of which goes to the PSEA.

Approximately 70 percent of the PSEA revenue is derived from traffic-related penalties and assessments; however, less than 27 percent of PSEA funds will be spent on traffic safety programs this biennium.  Over the years the transportation program funding aspect of the account has diminished as other agencies have been included in PSEA funding.  Proponents of this legislation feel it is important that the Public Safety Education Account address transportation education programs, which was the original intent of the traffic fines surcharge statute.

This legislation does not appropriate funds from the PSEA. Two additional transportation safety programs are added to the list of programs which qualify for use of PSEA moneys.

SUMMARY:

The motorcycle safety education program of the Department of Licensing and the safety education officer program of the Washington State Patrol are declared eligible to receive moneys from the public safety and education account.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

Investment earnings from the public safety education account shall be credited back to the PSEA account rather than flowing directly into the general fund.

The earnings of investments of balances in the public safety and education account shall be credited to the public safety education account.

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Mapp, Department of Licensing