SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1237
As of March 23, 2023
Title: An act relating to distribution of the vehicle identification number inspection fee.
Brief Description: Redistributing the vehicle identification number inspection fee.
Sponsors: Representatives Robertson and Fey.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/2/23, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/23/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the distribution of the $65 vehicle identification number inspection fee to go entirely to the State Patrol Highway Account.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is required to complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection when a vehicle: 

  • is declared a total loss or salvaged and not kept by the registered owner;
  • has been rebuilt after the certificate of title was returned to the state; or
  • has been presented to the state with documents that show the vehicle was a total loss or salvaged in another state and has not been reissued a valid registration certificate. 

 

A VIN inspection is also required when certain kinds of vehicles are being titled in the state for the first time, including a kit vehicle, a homemade vehicle, a street rod, a custom vehicle, or a vehicle where there is question about the VIN documentation on the vehicle. 

 

The VIN inspection is required by the Department of Licensing (DOL) before the vehicle owner can receive a certificate of title.  The VIN inspection fee is $65 with $50 being deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund and $15 being deposited into the State Patrol Highway Account.
Summary of Bill:

The entire $65 VIN inspection fee is deposited into the State Patrol Highway Account.  A technical correction is made to the statutory reference for the distribution of the VIN inspection fee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This bill continues, and makes permanent, the change made in the 2022 supplemental whereby the full $65 VIN fee is deposited into the State Patrol Highway Account (SPHA).  This make sense give the fact that the VIN inspections are funded from this account.  This will also help with the shortfall that exists in the SPHA.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Eric Robertson, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.