Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1129
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning ferry vessel replacement.
Sponsors: Representative Morris.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/13
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
County auditors or other entities, acting as an agent and by appointment of the Director of the Department of Licensing (DOL), must provide various vehicle title and registration services to the public. This includes the processing of a report of sale; processing a transitional ownership; processing mail-in vehicle registration renewals; issuing registration and temporary off-road vehicle use permits; issuing registration for snowmobiles; and collecting taxes and fees.
The DOL may appoint privately owned businesses as licensing subagents (subagents) to process these transactions under contract with the county auditor. In addition to any other fees, registration and title transactions processed by a subagent are subject to a subagent service fee of $5 for a registration and $12 for a title.
The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) operates and maintains ferry vessels and terminals, constructs terminals, and acquires vessels. The system serves eight Washington counties and one Canadian province through 23 vessels and 20 terminals. The Washington State Transportation Commission (Transportation Commission) adopts the WSF fares and pricing policies by rule.
The Transportation Commission must impose a 25-cent surcharge on every ferry fare sold; the proceeds are deposited into the Capital Vessel Replacement Account (Account). The expenditures from the Account are by appropriation only and may be used only for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels and to pay the principal and interest on bonds authorized for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels. Any expenditures from the Account must first be used to support the construction or purchase, including any financing costs, of a ferry vessel capable of carrying at least 144 vehicles.
Summary of Bill:
A county auditor or other agent appointed by the Director of the DOL is required to collect a $5 service fee for each initial and renewal vehicle registration. This service fee must be deposited into the Capital Vessel Replacement Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2013.