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Bill

SB 5234

Concerning snowmobile registration fees.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 1 co-sponsor

SB 5234 raises Washington snowmobile registrations (renewals after Sept 30, 2025): standard $50→$75, vintage $12→$18, to fund snowmobile programs and related accounts.

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 5234

Summary: SB 5234 — Concerning Snowmobile Registration Fees

Purpose and intent

SB 5234 proposes to increase the annual registration fees for snowmobiles and vintage snowmobiles in Washington, with the new rates applying to registrations due on or after September 30, 2025. The bill is sponsored by Senators Shewmake and Nobles and is by request of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The overall aim is to adjust fee levels to support snowmobile-related programs and activities funded through designated accounts.

Key provisions

  • Rate increases (effective for renewals due on/after Sept. 30, 2025):

    • Snowmobile registration: from $50 to $75 per year.
    • Vintage snowmobile registration: from $12 to $18 per year (vintage defined as at least 30 years old).

  • Fee structure and distributions (unchanged components in addition to the base registration):

    • An $8 registration service fee (retained by subagents if the transaction is done at a subagent office; otherwise deposited into the Capital Vessel Replacement Account).
    • A $4.50 filing fee, distributed to the county where the transaction occurs for deposit in the county’s general fund unless processed by a state agency (state retains the fee in that case).
    • A $0.50 license service fee, deposited in the Department of Licensing Services Account.
    • A $0.25 license plate technology fee, deposited in the License Plate Technology Account.

  • Legal framework: The bill would amend RCW 46.17.350 to reflect the new base registration fees for snowmobiles and vintage snowmobiles and would add a new section governing the applicability timing.

Affected entities

  • Snowmobile owners and operators in Washington (residents and nonresidents alike), who would pay higher annual registration fees.
  • Snowmobile-related programs and activities funded by designated accounts (Snowmobile Account, Capital Vessel Replacement Account, Department of Licensing Services Account, License Plate Technology Account).
  • Counties and licensing subagents involved in processing registrations, as the $8 service fee distribution affects subagents and local funds.
  • Parks and Recreation Commission (as the bill’s sponsor and policy driver).

Timing and procedural aspects

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Legislative path: Referred to Transportation; later progressed through Ways & Means and Transportation committees; public hearing in House on April 4, 2025; action through March-April 2025 culminated in (per current status) a return to Senate Rules Committee for third reading by resolution.
  • Status: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading (as of April 27, 2025).
  • Effective date: 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
  • Appropriation: None identified.

Fiscal note

  • A fiscal note is available; the bill does not include new appropriations beyond the existing fee transfers, but it increases expected revenue to fund snowmobile-related programs.

Summary statement

SB 5234 would raise annual snowmobile fees and vintage snowmobile fees beginning with renewals due after Sept. 30, 2025, while maintaining current fee-structure elements (service, filing, and license-related fees and their allocations). The changes would impact riders, counties, subagents, and the various state accounts that support snowmobile programs and licensing functions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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