SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5554

BYSenators Patterson, Hansen, Madsen and Benitz; by request of Utilities and Transportation Commission

Providing for testing of railroad track scales.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5554 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Vicki Fabre' (786-7313)

                  February 20, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Railroads operating in the state of Washington are required to provide a special car to test track scales for accuracy.  The Utilities and Transportation Commission currently administers the testing program.  There are approximately 33 scale owners and 66 scales in the state which require inspection.

Most commercial testing and inspections are carried out by the state Department of Agriculture through its weights and measures section.

SUMMARY:

Responsibility for the track scale testing program is transferred from the Utilities and Transportation Commission to the Department of Agriculture.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Background:  Of the 66 existing track scales, only eight are railroad-owned.

Summary:  The responsibility for providing facilities to test track scales and all costs of the program are apportioned among all track scale owners benefitting from the test facilities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Steve McClellan, U.T.C. (pro); Stu Delaney, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (pro); Pat Halstead (pro)