SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6003

As Passed Senate, February 12, 2002

Title:  An act relating to clarification of exemption from commercial driver's license requirements for certain trucks hauling Christmas trees and wood products from private tree farms.

Brief Description:  Clarifying commercial driver's license exemptions.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Hale, Sheahan, Hochstatter, Honeyford, Oke, Deccio, Benton, Stevens, Hewitt, Roach and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/23/02, 1/29/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/12/02, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Benton, Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, Kastama, McAuliffe, McDonald, Oke, Prentice, T. Sheldon and Shin.

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  In order to legally drive a commercial motor vehicle, one must have a commercial driver's license with an endorsement for the type of vehicle he or she is driving unless there is a specific exemption.  One exception is for persons carrying agricultural products within 150 miles of a person's farm.

In 1995, the definition of agricultural products was expanded for this section of statute to include Christmas trees and wood products harvested from private tree farms and transported by vehicles weighing no more than 40,000 pounds licensed gross vehicle weight.

Summary of Bill:  Christmas trees and wood products harvested from private tree farms and transported by vehicles weighing no more than 40,000 pounds licensed gross vehicle weight are removed from the definition of agricultural products.  The exemption still remains for persons carrying Christmas trees and wood products; however, it clarifies that the 40,000 pound gross weight restriction does not apply to agricultural products for purposes of being exempt from commercial driver's license requirements.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The Christmas tree provisions are clarified from the provisions for farm implements.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Morton, prime sponsor (pro).