READ FIRST TIME 02/23/11.   

     AN ACT Relating to electric vehicle license fees; adding a new section to chapter 46.17 RCW; creating new sections; and providing a contingent expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that the motor vehicle fuel tax is the primary source of funding for the state's transportation system. As the state's fleet changes from motor vehicles powered by traditional sources, such as gasoline and diesel, to those powered by electricity, the ability of the state to fund the maintenance and preservation of the transportation system is compromised. In order to mitigate the impacts of the diminishing motor vehicle fuel tax, and to create a system where each driver pays for a fair portion of his or her use of the road, an additional fee is imposed on electric vehicles.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 46.17 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Before accepting an application for an annual vehicle registration renewal for an electric vehicle that uses propulsion units powered solely by electricity, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require the applicant to pay a one hundred dollar fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The one hundred dollar fee is due at the time of annual vehicle registration renewal.
     (2) This section only applies to:
     (a) A vehicle that is designed to have the capability to drive at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour; and
     (b) An annual vehicle registration renewal that is due on or after March 1, 2012.
     (3)(a) The fee under this section is imposed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of vehicles on state roads and highways, and is separate and distinct from other vehicle license fees. Proceeds from the fee must be used for highway purposes, and must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070, subject to (b) of this subsection.
     (b) If in any year the amount of proceeds from the fee collected under this section exceeds one million dollars, the excess amount over one million dollars must be deposited as follows:
     (i) Seventy percent to the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070;
     (ii) Fifteen percent to the transportation improvement account created in RCW 47.26.084; and
     (iii) Fifteen percent to the rural arterial trust account created in RCW 36.79.020.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Section 2 of this act expires on the effective date of legislation enacted by the legislature that imposes a vehicle miles traveled fee or tax.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The department of licensing must provide written notice of the expiration date of section 2 of this act to affected parties, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the department.