SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1358
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 29, 2011
Title: An act relating to combination of vehicles.
Brief Description: Modifying combination of vehicle provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Klippert, Liias and Sells; by request of Department of Transportation.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/11, 94-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/16/11, 3/29/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Hill, Hobbs, Nelson, Prentice, Ranker, Shin and Swecker.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: A saddlemount vehicle combination is a combination of vehicles in which a truck or truck tractor tows one or more trucks or truck tractors, each connected by a saddle to the frame or fifth wheel of the vehicle in front of it.
Under current Washington State law, a saddlemount vehicle combination may not exceed 75 feet in overall length. However, federal law prohibits states from imposing an overall length limit of less than or greater than 97 feet on saddlemount vehicle combinations.
Further, federal law states that non-compliance with the federally mandated saddlemount length could lead to a 10 percent reduction of federal aid for the National Highway System apportioned to the state for the next fiscal year.
Summary of Bill: The limit for the length of a saddlemount vehicle combination is removed from Washington State law.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The federal restrictions can be taken out of law and moved to administrative rules where changes can be made in a more timely manner. It will put Washington into compliance with federal law so it does not risk losing federal funding.
Persons Testifying: PRO: James Wright, WSDOT.