HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2362

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title:  An act relating to the motorcycle skills education course participation fee.

Brief Description:  Adjusting the motorcycle skills course fee.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hatfield, Hankins, Cooper and Anderson; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation:  1/30/02, 2/7/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Increases the fee for the motorcycle skills education program to no more than $100 for riders age 18 or older.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Fisher, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Mitchell, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Edwards, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Holmquist, Jackley, Jarrett, Mielke, Morell, Murray, Ogden, Reardon, Rockefeller, Romero, Schindler, Simpson, Skinner, Sullivan, Wood and Woods.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Armstrong.

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background:

This is Department of Licensing (DOL) request legislation.

The motorcycle skills education program (MSEP) was created in order to promote motorcycle safety awareness.  Under this program the DOL certifies instructors and provides insurance, gasoline, student workbooks, and any other necessary costs of the six‑ to eight‑week classes.  Participants in this program currently pay a fee of $50.  This fee does not  cover the costs to the DOL of conducting the program.

Riders under 18 years of age are required to take the MSEP; the program is voluntary for those age 18 and older.  However, participants in the program who are age 18 or older receive a waiver from taking the skills and knowledge test for a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license, and often receive a price break on their purchase of a motorcycle and on their insurance.

Due to a significant increase in the number of persons purchasing motorcycles and the benefits of taking the education program, there is a six‑month backlog of riders who want to take the classes.

Summary of  Bill:

The fee for taking an MSEP remains at $50 for riders under age 18 and is increased to no more than $100 for riders 18 years old or older.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This increase in funding will allow the DOL to spread the program to more students.  Currently, there is a backlog until July or August.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Hatfield, prime sponsor; and Carl Spurgeon, Department of Licensing.