HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5141

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.

As Passed House - Amended:

April 9, 2011

Title: An act relating to limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.

Brief Description: Limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.

Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Haugen, Delvin, Benton, Kilmer, Swecker, Hatfield, Sheldon, Shin and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 3/8/11, 3/22/11 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 4/9/11, 95-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

(As Amended by House)

  • Limits the Department of Licensing to issuing a third motorcycle instruction permit only upon presentation of documented evidence that the permittee is enrolled in an authorized motorcycle skills education program.

  • Limits the Department of Licensing to issuing no more than three motorcycle instruction permits to an applicant within a five-year period.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 28 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Asay, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Rolfes, Ryu, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

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

Staff: Wendy Malkin (786-7114).

Background:

A person holding a valid driver's license may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The Department of Licensing (DOL) may issue an instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the motorcycle examination other than the driving test. A person holding an instruction permit may drive a motorcycle upon the public highways but may not carry passengers on his or her motorcycle and may not operate his or her motorcycle during the hours of darkness. An instruction permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

The DOL may issue a third instruction permit if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve his or her driving proficiency.

Summary of Amended Bill:

The DOL may issue a third motorcycle instruction permit only upon presentation of documented evidence that the permittee is enrolled in an authorized motorcycle skills education program with a class start date prior to the expiration of the third instruction permit. The DOL may not issue more than three motorcycle instruction permits to an applicant within a five-year period.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Please support this bill. Please amend the bill with the same amendment that was placed on the House bill.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders' Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.