Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2776
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: Clarifying the exemption from safety belt use for physical or medical reasons.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick and Haler; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/18
Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).
Background:
The operation of commercial motor vehicles is regulated under both state and federal law. In order to be eligible for Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant funds from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, states must comply with certain federal laws.
Federal code restricts drivers from operating a commercial motor vehicle that has a seat belt assembly installed unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly. Federal code also restricts a driver from operating a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle that has seat belt assemblies installed at the seats for other occupants of the vehicle unless all other occupants are properly restrained by the seat belt assemblies. Washington allows an exemption from safety belt use for operators or passengers of a motor vehicle who possess written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger is unable to wear a safety belt for physical or medical reasons.
Summary of Bill:
The exemption for physical or medical reasons from the requirement to use safety belts for operators or passengers of a commercial motor vehicle is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.