SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6561

BYSenators Newhouse, Madsen, Barr, Warnke and Amondson

Exempting recreational horse trailers 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 7, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 6, 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 under the commercial driver's license program 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:

It is clarified that a vehicle towing a horse trailer for noncommercial purposes qualifies for an exemption as a recreational vehicle for the purposes of the commercial driver's license program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Alan Oates, DOL