SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5881
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 of February 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to the installation of safety glazing or film sunscreening materials.
Brief Description: Addressing the installation of safety glazing or film sunscreening materials.
Sponsors: Senators King, Hobbs, Takko, Wellman, Saldaña, Rivers, Holy and Keiser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/19/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Under current law, motor vehicles must be equipped with safety glazing material that meets certain federal standards. Safety glazing material is material that reduces substantially the likelihood of injury by objects from exterior sources or by the materials when they may be cracked or broken.
Generally, it is unlawful to apply film sunscreening or coloring material to the surface of the safety glazing material that reduces light transmittance to any degree. However, various exceptions exist in law. For example, a single sheet of film sunscreening may be applied to any window, except the windshield, if the film sunscreening has no more than a 35 percent total reflectance and a light transmission of at least 24 percent, where the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left. Additionally, certain specific exceptions apply to hearses, collector vehicles, limousines, ambulances, and other vehicles.
Persons or businesses tinting windows for profit who tint windows within restricted areas of the glazing system must supply a sticker to be affixed to the driver's door post, certifying that the glazing application meets legal standards for light transmission, reflectance, and placement requirements.
The following types of film sunscreening material are not permitted:
mirror finish products;
red, gold, yellow, or black material; or
material in liquid form that is brushed or sprayed on.
It is a traffic infraction to operate a vehicle on public highways if the vehicle is in violation of the film sunscreening or coloring material requirements. It is a misdemeanor to unlawfully install safety glazing or film sunscreening materials. A misdemeanor carries a penalty of imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 90 days, or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by both imprisonment and fine.
Summary of Bill: A mechanic or commercial installer of safety glazing or film sunscreening material, who, for monetary or commercial gain, unlawfully installs safety glazing or film sunscreening material, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is subject to a fine of $500 dollars.
A person who is not a mechanic or commercial installer of safety glazing or film sunscreening material, who unlawfully installs safety glazing or film sunscreening material, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is subject to a fine of $100 dollars.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill resulted from a recent drive where very dark vehicle windows were noticed and it was impossible to see whether people were in the vehicle because of how much tinting was on the windows. Current law has standards regarding window tinting and those standards are there to protect law enforcement. Often those standards are violated and the tinting limits are exceeded. The intent of the bill is to get people to obey the tinting laws to help law enforcement. The bill protects police officers when they are policing the highways.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Curtis King, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.