issue area reports | transportation
SB 5811 zero emission vehicles mandate
Passed / AWB Opposed
AWB opposed Senate Bill 5811 , sponsored by Sen . Joe Nguyen , D-White Center , which authorizes the Department of Ecology to adopt California zero-emission vehicle ( ZEV ) regulations . There are currently 11 other states with ZEV regulations , which require auto manufacturers to sell a certain number of zero emission vehicles based on a vehicle credit formula . AWB opposed the bill because Washington state already ranks second in electric vehicle sales and a ZEV mandate drives up the costs for most car buyers , resulting in average families and businesses paying more to subsidize the lease or purchase of an electric vehicle . SB 5811 passed the Senate by a vote of 25-23 and the House by a vote of 55-42 .
HB 1841 minimum crew size on trains
Passed / AWB Opposed
AWB opposed House Bill 1841 , which would mandate a minimum of two crew members on trains . AWB opposed the bill because it would go against recent Federal Railroad Administration ( FRA ) guidance and a long line of court decisions that expressly preempt states from mandating crew size . Crew size has historically been a collective bargaining issue that courts have repeatedly upheld . On the policy side , mandating a unique crew size that varies from other states creates logistical and administrative complications that likely drive up costs and delays . In other words , HB 1841 is a cost driver and in Washington ’ s tradedriven economy , lawmakers should instead be implementing policies that improve efficiencies . In addition , after
Sen . Steve Hobbs , D-Lake Stevens , is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee . He joined AWB ’ s Mike Ennis and AWB members at the 2020 Legislative Day and Hill Climb on Jan . 28 . ( Photo : Lori Maricle / AWB )
years of research on the topic , the FRA has determined that crews size has no demonstrable effect on safety . HB 1841 passed the House by a vote of 64-33 , and the Senate by a vote of 34-15 .
2SHB 1938 local infrastructure investment
Failed / AWB Supported
AWB supported Second Substitute House Bill 1938 , sponsored by Rep . Mike Steele , R-Chelan , which would have created a local infrastructure investment program to support the development of affordable housing , workforce housing and revitalization efforts . This bill would have allowed cities and counties to apply for a remittance of 4.37 % of the state sales and use tax on construction of local infrastructure to support the development of affordable housing , workforce housing and revitalization efforts . The business community supported this bill because it would have created another tool for local governments to support workforce housing and economic development in the rural areas of the state . 2SHB 1938 was voted out of the House Housing , Community Development & Veterans Committee and the House Finance Committee , but the bill never came up for a floor vote .
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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