LEGISLATIVE ALERT

SENATE BILL 3336

To:  Washington Manufacturers, Distributors, and Installers

From:  Lynwood Butner, Legislative Consultant

            Darrell Smith, IWFA Executive Director

Date:  February 1, 2009

Subject:  Senate Bill 5581

Senate Bill 5581, introduced by Senators Delvin, Marr, and Shin, has            been introduced for consideration for the 2009-10  Washington legislative session.  The proposal is at the request of the Washington State Patrol         and has been approved for consideration by the Governor.

Senate Bill 5581 is the result of stakeholder input including representa-           tives with the International Window Film Association (IWFA).  The                       legislative proposal will address current laws regarding the installation of         after-market window tinting which  have resulted in confusion about the          visible light transmittance standards, multi-purpose vehicle exemptions,              and even, for many of our members, the legal limits allowed for original          equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles.

The proposed legislation adopts Federal standards in lieu of the tinting               standards established by the Washington State Patrol under current law.              All vehicles sold must be equipped with safety glazing material that meets       Federal requirements.  The law will now be a net film law with a maximum         light reflectance of 35% and a minimum light transmission of 24%.                          Definitions have been added for “light transmission”, “net film screening”,           and “reflectance”.  Certificates or decals that are required by law are         permitted on vehicles so long as neither their size nor placement on the          vehicle impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate the motor vehicle.

Please note the following enhanced statutory language:

·         AS-1 line has been added to the current 6 inch definition.

·         Multi-purpose vehicles, trucks, vans, and motor homes have              been defined under 49 CFR 571.3.

·         Current statutory tolerances (plus/minus 3%  enforcement          tolerance) has been removed and will be addressed as a law    enforcement and training policy issue.

A public hearing has been scheduled by the Senate Committee on Transportation for 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, February 5, 2009               (subject to change).

For more information and to track the progress of the Senate Bill 5581,          refer to

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5581