SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5267

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Saldaña, Darneille, Kuderer, O'Ban, King and Randall).

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Exempts vehicles shipped as marine cargo that are travelling within a single port area from vehicle registration requirements.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5267 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Background: Vehicles, unless specifically exempt, must be registered with the state to be operated on public roadways. It is unlawful for a person to operate any vehicle on public highways in Washington without a current and proper vehicle registration and without displaying license plates on the vehicle. Vehicle registrations are issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL), county auditors or other agents, or subagents appointed by DOL, and are typically valid for one year from the date of purchase. Registrations are indicated with dated license tabs that are placed in a designated area on the license plate.

Current law provides registration exemptions for certain types of vehicles.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: The list of vehicles exempted from DOL registration requirements is expanded to include vehicles shipped as marine cargo travelling within the port area. The exemption only applies to vehicles shipped as marine cargo to and from storage areas or terminals, and are crossing public streets of a single port.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This legislation is about clarifying existing statute around the shipment of automobiles to and from the ports. The transport of automobiles supports high paying jobs and increased state and local government tax revenues. This bill codifies the existing practice and makes a clarification before any actual issues develop around the registration requirements for these types of vehicles.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Prime Sponsor; Michael Transue, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber and Global Automakers; Sean Eagan, The Northwest Seaport Alliance; Gordon Baxter, International Longshore and Warehouse Union.