FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6076

PARTIAL VETO

                              C 203 L 89

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

Creating motorcycle public awareness program.

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committe on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The eleven states currently using a motorcycle public awareness program and media campaign feel that they have dramatically reduced their motorcycle-related accident rates.

These public awareness programs contain public service announcements for TV, radio and newspapers which provide safety advice, helping the drivers of both motorcycles and vehicles realize the potential hazards of sharing the roadway.

Present law requires anyone under age 18 applying for a motorcycle endorsement to complete a safety education course that meets the standards established by the Department of Licensing.  A majority of the adult motorcycle riders, however, have never taken a motorcycle safety education class.  If an incentive were offered, as some local jurisdictions have already done for drivers committing their first traffic infraction, to allow motorcycle operators the option of having one traffic infraction cancelled if they complete a motorcycle safety education class, more adult riders would be retrained with safer driving habits.

Current law requires that every person applying for a special endorsement or a new category of endorsement of a license to drive a motorcycle must pay a nonrefundable motorcycle examination fee of $7, with a renewal fee of $5.  A total of $5 from each applicant is deposited in the motorcycle safety education account of the highway safety fund.  The motorcycle safety education account provides funding for a statewide voluntary motorcycle operator training and education program.

In 1987 the Legislature created a Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board to assist the director in the development of the education and training program.  Their mandated priorities were motorcycle safety education programs; classroom and on-cycle training; improved motorcycle operator testing; and public awareness programs of motorcycle safety.

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 to implement 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 to be appointed chairperson by the director.  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 shop; 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 Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the director, at least three times annually.  The board receives no compensation for services but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state law.

The board shall 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 $2 motorcycle examination fee is separated from the total motorcycle endorsement fees for purposes of clarification.  The initial motorcycle endorsement fee and the new category fee is increased from $5.50 to $6 and the renewal endorsement fee is increased from $4.50 to $7.50.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   46    1

     House 96  0 (House amended)

     Senate   46    1 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:May 3, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  References to the creation and duties of a Motorcycle Public Awareness Advisory Board have been deleted on the basis that its duties would overlap that of the statutory Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board.  (See VETO MESSAGE)