Item 3: Discuss and Approve Non-Unanimous IGR Positions

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We support this bill, introduced by Sen. Walker, which deals with motorcycle operation. The bill would require that tests taken for driver's licenses include at least two questions about safe operation of vehicles around motorcycles. It requires that a person who does not currently have a motorcycle endorsement and who applies for one to complete a motorcycle rider education course (a requirement phased in over a 5-year period). It also creates a "diversion" program of sorts for individuals cited for not having a motorcycle endorsement in the form of a motorcyclist improvement program. Since motorcycle operators are more susceptible to being injured in a crash than are automobile drivers, it is even more important they have properly demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary for safe operation. We feel that the provisions of this bill could increase the visibility of motorcycle safety, and ensure that those operating motorcycles have the knowledge and skills to do so. The only concern we have is whether passage of this bill would place an unreasonable additional burden on DMV, although the bill does slightly raise the fees related to motorcycle endorsements. SB 0563 Relating Clause: Relating to interest due on the late payment of property taxes. Title: Redirects deposit of interest on late payment of property taxes from County Assessment and Taxation Fund to County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Account. Sunsets redirected deposits of interest for tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2013. Sponsored by: COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND REVENUE URL:http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0500.dir/sb0563.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation Larry Hill Larry Hill CS-FIN 3/11/2009 Pri 2 Yes YesII Oppose Comments: SB 563 would reduce revenue received by the City of Eugene by diverting 100% of interest on delinquint property taxes to the county assessment function. Currently, 75% of interest on delinquient taxes goes to the City and 25% to the county assessment function. While adequate of the county tax assesssment function is important to the City of Eugene, City revenues should not be reduced to achieve this funding level. SB 0587 Relating Clause: Relating to active duty military registration plates. Title: Directs Department of Transportation to establish program to issue active duty military registration plates to qualified owner of motor vehicle. Sponsored by: Senator FERRIOLI; Senators BOQUIST, GEORGE, GIROD, KRUSE, STARR, TELFER, WHITSETT (at the request of Michael Shawn-Chun) URL:http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0500.dir/sb0587.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation Eric Jones Eric Jones PW-ADM 3/12/2009 Pri 3 No No Neutral Comments: Special license plate bill; no financial impact on Eugene SB 0594 Relating Clause: Relating to exemption from property taxation; prescribing an effective date. Title: Permits property tax exemption claim for cemetery and crematory property regardless of claimant's organizational structure or state of organization. Permits claim for exemption for tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2008. Takes effect on 91st day following Sine Die, Sponsored by: Senator MONROE URL:http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0500.dir/sb0594.intro.pdf 41