SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1328
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 21, 2011
Title: An act relating to the operation of motorcycles in connection with a parade or public demonstration.
Brief Description: Temporarily suspending certain motorcycle rules when operating in parades or public demonstrations.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Van De Wege, DeBolt, Blake, Klippert, Hinkle, Ross, Hasegawa, Kirby, Billig, Liias, Takko, Stanford, Finn, Alexander, Short, Angel, Dammeier, Zeiger, Upthegrove, Tharinger, Green, Kelley, Hurst, McCune, Kenney and Maxwell).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/11, 95-2.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/14/11, 3/21/11 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Ericksen, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Shin and Swecker.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: Under current Washington law, when a motorcyclist participates in a parade or public demonstration, the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, or the Chief's designee, may temporarily suspend certain motorcycle operation rules, including the following:
the general requirement that a motorcyclist use a helmet, a tightened chin strap, mirrors, a windshield or approved eyewear, and handlebars under 30 inches high;
the general requirement that a motorcyclist ride upon his or her permanent motorcycle seat and the conditions under which a second passenger may ride on a motorcycle; and
the prohibition on riding with both feet placed on the same side of the motorcycle.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Certain provisions related to motorcycle equipment standards and helmet use are temporarily suspended with respect to the operation of motorcycles on closed roads during a parade or public demonstration that has been permitted by a local jurisdiction.
Further, the Department of Licensing will make all special license plates, which were previously available to automobiles but not motorcycles, available for motorcycles. The special license plates that will become available for motorcycles include the following:
Purple Heart;
Pearl Harbor Survivor;
Former Prisoner of War;
Disabled Veteran;
Congressional Medal of Honor;
Evergreen State College;
Eastern Washington University;
University of Washington;
Washington State University;
Western Washington University;
Square Dancer; and
Baseball Stadium.
Continuing with current law prorated vehicles, essentially interstate trucks, will not be able to use any of the 12 special license plates, which will become available for motorcyclists.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Motorcycle laws should be temporarily suspended for the purposes of parades or demonstrations.
OTHER: Washington State Patrol (WSP) does not like motorcyclists ever taking off their helmets.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association.
OTHER: Jason Berry, WSP.