FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1922

C 242 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Requiring certain vehicles to stop at a port of entry upon entering the state.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Shea, Taylor and McCune).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) operates the Washington weigh stations and has 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:

Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 40,000 pounds or more and transporting cattle are required to stop at a Port of Entry. 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. It is clarified that motor vehicles must follow the existing rules and regulations that apply to weigh stations or a Port of Entry when open.

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.

A penalty of $1,000 is established for failure to comply, and all of the fines collected must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund. The funds must be used for road maintenance purposes.

The WSP must provide a one-time written notification of these requirements to affected carriers known to have previously entered the State of Washington in the counties identified. The notification requirement is not a defense for a driver from enforcement action if found in violation. The notification must be provided prior to August 1, 2011.

Votes on Final Passage: