HOUSE BILL NO. 231 "An Act relating to regulation of snowmobiles." Co-Chair Therriault provided members with a proposed committee substitute, Work Draft 0-LS0501\L, dated 2/23/98 (copy on file). He noted that the sections relating to accident reporting and required equipment were deleted. The sponsor indicated that these subjects might be considered in separate legislation at another time. Representative Foster asked if bush areas would be exempted. He felt that registration of snow machines in bush areas would be onerous. JUANITA HENSLEY, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION noted that the registration of snowmobiles is currently under Title 5. Currently, all snowmobiles are required to be registered. The legislation would move registration of snowmobiles from Title 5 and place it in Title 28. Snowmobiles would be registered at the time of sale. Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that there is no new requirement. Ms. Hensley noted that current statutes require payment of a fee. The only change would be to authorize snowmobile dealers to register the machine at the time of sale. Representative Martin questioned if the law should be repealed. Ms. Hensley clarified that registration is required every two years. Registration can occur through the Internet, phone, or by mail. She emphasized that the legislation will protect owners from theft. She noted that the legislation was requested by the industry and owners of snow machines. Representative Martin questioned if the legislation would burden the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Ms. Hensley noted that the sponsor worked to limit the amount of work that the DMV has to perform. One full time position would negotiate contracts with dealers, and audit and train dealers. She did not think that the legislation would add very much to their workload. There are approximately 14,000 snow machines that are currently registered. Snow machine clubs estimate that there are approximately 70,000 unregistered snow machines. They expect another 8,000 new snow machines to be registered per year. The Division would have to register approximately 10,000 a year due to a turnover of used machines. She discussed the Division's fiscal note. She observed that $100 thousand dollars in revenues would be generated in the first two years. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the Division of Parks would use the statistics on the number of registered vehicles to apply for federal grants. In response to a question by Representative Kelly, Ms. Hensley clarified that snow machines are not titled. Lien holders are not identified on registration. Lien holders could be identified by implementing programming changes. The programming changes would require additional costs. Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the legislation. In response to a question by Representative Mulder, Ms. Hensley noted that registration costs $10 dollars every two years. She stated that the registration fee is sufficient to administer the program. In response to comments by Representative Martin, Co-Chair Therriault clarified that money collected for registration is not used to match federal funds. Ms. Hensley explained that federal grants are based on the number of snow machines that are registered. Representative Kohring noted that the public is not adhering to the laws regarding registration of snowmobiles. He questioned if the law should be repealed. Representative Foster asked what is the fine or penalty for not registering a snowmobile. Ms. Hensley stated that the fine would be the same as for not registering a car. Four- wheelers are not required to be registered. Representative Davies spoke against repealing the statute. Representative Davies MOVED to ADOPT Work Draft 0-LS0501\L, dated 2/23/98. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Davies MOVED to report CSHB 231 (FIN) out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.