Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1655
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: Modifying meeting times of the motorcycle safety education advisory board.
Sponsors: Representatives Moscoso, Shea, Young, Takko, Caldier, Condotta, DeBolt and Fey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
A person may not operate a motorcycle without first obtaining from the Department of Licensing (DOL) a special motorcycle endorsement on his or her driver's license. Generally, to obtain such an endorsement, a person must pass a motorcycle endorsement examination; however, the examination requirement may be waived if the applicant has passed either a private motorcycle skills education course or a voluntary operator and training education program. The DOL may contract with either public or private entities to operate this voluntary education program, and a motorcycle safety education advisory board assists the DOL in developing the program and monitors the program following implementation. The advisory board may also report to the DOL with recommendations regarding the administration and substance of the program.
The motorcycle safety education advisory board consists of five members who serve two-year terms and whom are appointed by the Director of the DOL. Three of these members, including the chairperson of the board, must be active motorcycle riders or members of nonprofit motorcycle organizations. One member must be a current Washington State Patrol motorcycle officer, and the final member must be a member of the public. The board must meet at the call of the Director of the DOL, but it must meet at least twice annually and at least five times during the terms of the members' appointments. Finally, board members serve without compensation, but the members may be reimbursed for their travel expenses.
Summary of Bill:
The motorcycle safety education advisory board must meet quarterly at 7:00 P.M. on the first or second Friday of the last month of each quarter. The members must decide the exact dates of subsequent meetings during the September meeting.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.