Senate committee to hear bills on lower car tab fees, ST3

The Washington State Senate Transportation Committee is expected to meet Tuesday to hear bills surrounding issues about the Sound Transit 3 light rail expansion that raised car tab fees.

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Under Senate Bill 5042, the method used to give vehicle valuations would change, lowering car tab fees, which help fund ST3. Right now, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is used, but lawmakers want to use the Kelley Blue Book value, which is said to be more realistic.

Senate Bill 5220, if passed, would change how the Sound Transit board is chosen by opening the door to public voting on board members.

State Sen. Steve O’Ban, who represents Pierce County, has been leading the charge against the higher car tab fees.

“People who will never benefit from the light rail project are having to pay car tab fees three to five times higher than they paid before ST3. Some are facing the choice of paying rent or licensing their car. Those fees should be based on a value that is more realistic than MSRP,” said O’Ban, R-University Place.

O’Ban has led failed efforts to correct what he calls overinflated car values for several years now.

Back in 2016, voters said yes to the ST3 package, which included everything except rural King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The passing of the bills out of the committee could mean a vote on the Senate floor.