Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1922
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Requiring certain vehicles to stop at a weigh station for inspection and weight measurement.
Sponsors: Representatives Shea, Taylor and McCune.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/11
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) operates the Washington weigh stations and have Port of Entry stations at Kennewick, Spokane, Ridgefield, and Bow Hill. These weigh stations use weigh-in-motion scales and transponder readers to electronically screen trucks as the truck approaches the weigh station. If the checks are satisfactory, the truck is cleared to bypass the weigh station, but if unsatisfactory, the truck is required to stop at the weigh station. The WSP also operates interior scales that are staffed on a random or as necessary schedule.
The Director of the Department of Agriculture (Director) may establish points of inspection for vehicles transporting animals on the public roads of this state to determine if the animals being transported are accompanied by valid health certificates, permits, or other documents. Vehicles transporting animals on the public roads of this state are subject to inspection and must stop at any posted inspection point established by the Director, with emphasis on livestock being brought in from outside the state. The Director or appointed officers are authorized to stop a vehicle transporting animals upon the public roads of this state at a place other than an inspection point if there is reasonable cause to believe the animals are being transported in violation of state laws.
Summary of Bill:
The bill requires commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 60,000 pounds or more and transporting cattle to stop at a Port of Entry or weigh station and submit to inspection including grading, weighing, and animal health. This requirement does not apply to the operator of a vehicle in possession of a pasture permit or cattle consigned to a public auction or sales yard.
The requirements and penalties apply only in counties located east of the Cascade mountains with a population of at least 450,000 and an adjacent county with a population of at least 13,000 but less than 15,000. Based on the criteria, the requirements and penalties would presently apply to Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.
The bill establishes a penalty for failure to comply of $1,000 and all of the fines collected must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund. The funds must be used for road maintenance purposes in the counties where the penalties are collected.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.