HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6282

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title:  An act relating to motorcycle skills education.

Brief Description:  Allowing private motorcycle skills courses.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Horn, Haugen, B. Sheldon, Costa, Morton, Honeyford, Hale, Stevens, Finkbeiner and Oke).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation:  3/4/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Authorizes the Department of Licensing (DOL) to certify private motorcycle skills education courses.

$Increases the fee for the Motorcycle Safety Education Program to no more than $100 for Washington residents age 18 or older or for military personnel of any age stationed in Washington.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Fisher, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Mitchell, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Holmquist, Jackley, Jarrett, Mielke, Morell, Murray, Ogden, Reardon, Rockefeller, Romero, Schindler, Simpson, Sullivan, Wood and Woods.

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background:

The Motorcycle Skills Education Program was created in order to promote motorcycle safety awareness.  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 old are required to take the Motorcycle Skills Education Program; 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 drivers license and often receive a price break on their purchase of a motorcycle and on their insurance.

Summary of Bill:

The DOL is authorized to certify private motorcycle skills education courses, which must meet educational standards equal to those of the motorcycle skills education program.  Private motorcycle skills education courses are also subject to periodic audits by the DOL.  Costs are borne by the party seeking certification.

The fee for taking a Motorcycle Skill Education Program remains at $50 for riders under age 18 and is increased to no more than $100 for Washington residents who are 18 years old or older.  Military personnel of any age stationed in Washington also pay no more than $100 for the motorcycle skills education course.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Motorcycling is very popular, creating an increasing demand for classes.  Training is very important for motorcycle riders.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Horn, prime sponsor.