SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6088

BYSenators Patterson, Bender and Nelson

Changing license fees for public transit vehicles.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 17, 1989

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

AS OF MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Motor vehicles licensed in the state of Washington are subject to an annual vehicle registration fee consisting of a basic registration fee and payment of the motor vehicle excise tax (MVET).  The basic registration fee includes a $23 initial or $19 renewal fee, filing fee and study fee.  Publicly-owned, leased or rented vehicles are exempt from the annual registration requirements.  In lieu of registration, a one-time $2 license plate fee is imposed.

Certain vehicles weighing 4,000 pounds or more (truck, truck-tractor, bus, auto stage and for-hire vehicle with a seating capacity of more than six) are subject to an annual license fee based on the licensed gross weight of the vehicle.  The basic registration fee is included in the gross weight fee.  The MVET is imposed separately.  For buses, auto stages and vehicles with a seating capacity of more than six, the declared gross weight is the scale weight of the vehicle plus seating capacity computed at 150 pounds for each seat, including the driver's seat.

The gross weight fee ranges from $27.75 for a 4,000 pound vehicle to $1,085.95 for an 80,000 pound vehicle.  Proceeds from the gross weight fee are distributed to the State Patrol highway account, motor vehicle fund, highway safety fund and Puget Sound ferry operations account.

Public transportation vehicles are exempt from the basic registration fee, gross weight fee, MVET, sales tax and use tax.

SUMMARY:

Public transportation vehicles operated under the authority of a metropolitan municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, county transportation authority, city or county public transportation system are subject to payment of an annual licensing fee based upon the gross weight of the vehicle.  The provisions apply to vehicles with a seating capacity of seven or more, including the driver.

The fee schedule is identical to that imposed on trucks, truck-tractors, buses, auto stages and vehicles with a seating capacity of six or more.  Computation of the gross weight fee for passenger vehicles is the same as current law.  The revenue from the annual gross weight license fee is deposited in the motor vehicle fund.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1989