Committee hears HB 2109 allowing covered trailers to contain mud and debris when towing tracked equipment

Sandra Myers, staff to the committee, briefed members on House Bill 2109 during the Jan. 22 hearing. The bill would permit vehicles being towed on trailers that have deposits of mud, rock or other debris to be covered as an alternative method of containing the debris or to be cleaned prior to travel.

Myers said existing law already requires vehicles operated on public highways to be constructed or loaded to prevent escape of load material, and the Washington State Patrol retains rulemaking authority and enforcement responsibility. The bill’s proposed substitute makes technical fixes to clarify the language applies specifically to vehicles being towed.

Fiscal notes provided by agencies estimate modest implementation costs: the Washington State Patrol reported one-time costs of about $76,000 in fiscal year 2027 (roughly $73,000 from the State Patrol Highway Account and $3,000 general‑fund impact) to develop training; WSDOT reported about $388,000 in one-time costs in fiscal year 2027 and $116,000 ongoing per biennium for tarp kits and replacement costs for the agency fleet.

Representative Tom Dent, prime sponsor, said the bill responds to a constituent’s concern about the impracticality of fully cleaning tracked equipment at remote job sites and that covering tracks before towing is a reasonable alternative to reduce roadway hazards. Testimony from constructors and trade representatives supported the bill as a practical compliance option.

No amendments or votes were recorded at the hearing; the committee closed the public hearing and moved on to other business.