SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2353

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 2, 2020

Title: An act relating to fire trailer vehicle registration and license plates.

Brief Description: Providing for fire trailer vehicle registration and license plates.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake and Dent).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/20, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/20, 3/02/20 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Defines a fire trailer to mean a commercial trailer that is used only for wildfire response as required by state and federal regulations, is only transported between storage and job sites, and is equipped with a water tank designed for firefighting purposes.
Provides permanent registration and license plates for fire trailers—the registered owner must pay the initial commercial trailer registration fee of $30 in addition to any other fees and taxes due by law.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Lovelett, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Several vehicle types may be permanently registered, without a requirement for registration renewal:

collector vehicles—30 years and older—and horseless carriages—40 years and older;

commercial trailers used to transport loads in excess of 40,000 pounds;
intermittent-use private trailers;
vehicles with Medal of Honor license plates;
vehicles with Disabled American Veteran or Prisoner of War license plates;
vehicles with Gold Star license plates; and
vehicles with Purple Heart license plates.

Each is treated differently in terms of how much the initial registration costs and how many vehicles may be registered by an individual owner.

Prior to 2015, license plates were generally replaced every seven years. Since 2015 all plates are now permanent, only being replaced as needed due to wear, damage, or loss.

Summary of Bill: A "fire trailer" is defined to mean a commercial trailer that is used only for wildfire response as required by state and federal regulations, is only transported between storage and job sites, and is equipped with a water tank designed for firefighting purposes.

A fire trailer may be issued a permanent license plate and registration. The registered owner must pay the initial commercial trailer registration fee of $30 in addition to any other fees and taxes due by law.

A fire trailer with permanent registration is exempt from registration renewal; expires upon change of ownership, removal from the state, or disposal; and may not be issued to trailers that haul logs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2020.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This equipment serves as an effective tool in fighting fires. The trailers are accessible to the public to put out fires. The trailers do not travel much as their use is seasonal in nature—the fire season is April 15 to October 15. Fire trailers are a convenience for loggers and benefit contract loggers on Weyerhaeuser land. Current law allows for an intermittent plate and this bill simply expands on that option.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Brian Blake, Prime Sponsor; Scott Hazlegrove, Weyerhaeuser; Jerrold Bonagofsky, Washington Contract Loggers Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.