SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6464

BYSenators Patrick, Vognild, West, Rasmussen and Wojahn

Exempting law enforcement officers from commercial driver's license requirements.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 27, 1990

House Committe on Transportation

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 requires all commercial vehicle drivers to obtain a commercial driver's license by April 1, 1992.  When the Washington Legislature enacted the federal statute in the 1989 Legislature, it provided for federally approved exemptions. 

The current exemptions apply to drivers of farm vehicles, firefighters who have completed a training course and a driver who is operating a recreational vehicle for noncommercial purposes.

SUMMARY:

An exemption is provided for a law enforcement officer operating emergency equipment.  Law enforcement officers must pass a driver's training course approved by the Department of Licensing.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Alan Oates, DOL

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

A vehicle towing a horse trailer for noncommercial purposes is a recreational vehicle and qualifies for the recreational vehicle exemption under the Commercial Driver's License Program.

The provision that a farmer does not qualify for an exemption if he or she transports hazardous materials is removed from the Commercial Driver's License Program.  This language correction reflects the intent of the 1989 legislative action.