3/27/08-A bill has died that would have required the State Patrol to adopt and enforce federal rules regarding hours of service on intrastate and interstate trucking operations. The agency would have been required to update the rules on a quarterly basis.
Sponsored by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, HB2865 remained in the House Transportation Committee at a deadline to advance to the chamber floor, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill was intended to ensure the state rules are the same as federal regulations. State and local law enforcement officials would have been responsible for enforcing the rules on motor carriers and truckers.
The base fine for an HOS violation during roadside inspections would have increased from $64 to $550. Fines could not have been reduced or eliminated.
Terminal audit penalties would have increased from $100, per occurrence, to as much as $550 for each day the violation continues, up to as much as $5,550. The motor carrier’s safety rating also could have been lowered.
Motor carriers who knowingly and willfully allow or require HOS violations could have had federal penalties brought against them. The same rule would have applied to truck drivers who violate the HOS rules.
According to a fiscal analysis on the bill, there were 5,916 HOS violations in 2007. It is estimated that in fiscal year 2009 the state would receive a total increase in revenue of $1.6 billion. In fiscal year 2010 and subsequent years, the projected total increase in revenue is $2.8 billion annually.
The effort can be brought back up for consideration during the 2009 regular session.

2/14/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would require the State Patrol to adopt and enforce federal rules regarding hours of service on intrastate and interstate trucking operations. The agency would be required to update the rules on a quarterly basis.
Sponsored by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, HB2865 is intended to ensure the state rules are the same as federal regulations. State and local law enforcement officials would be responsible for enforcing the rules on motor carriers and truckers.
The base fine for an HOS violation during roadside inspections would increase from $64 to $550. Fines could not be reduced or eliminated.
Terminal audit penalties would increase from $100, per occurrence, to as much as $550 for each day the violation continues, up to as much as $5,550. The motor carrier’s safety rating also could be lowered.
Motor carriers who knowingly and willfully allow or require HOS violations could have federal penalties brought against them. The same rule would apply to truck drivers who violate the HOS rules.
According to a fiscal analysis on the bill, there were 5,916 HOS violations in 2007. It is estimated that in fiscal year 2009 the state would receive a total increase in revenue of $1.6 billion. In fiscal year 2010 and subsequent years, the projected total increase in revenue is $2.8 billion annually.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.