The governor is soon expected to sign a measure sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, which would clarify in state law that farmers and those who work for farmers need not have a commercial driver’s license to move products from field to storage. Senate Bill 6423 received unanimous support from the Washington State Senate and passed the House of Representatives97-1.

“I was honored to be the prime sponsor of this farm-vehicle bill because I felt it was of great benefit to our eastern and central Washington farmers,” King said. “Relieving some of the bureaucratic burdens faced by our farmers and their employees should always be a priority, considering we depend so much on their efforts.”

Under state law, farmers and farm workers who drive commercial farm vehicles from one farm to another do not have to obtain a commercial driver’s license. However, the law is unclear about whether farmers and workers are required to have a CDL when, for example, they use farm vehicles to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or supplies from farm to a storage facility.

“My bill broadens the general definition of ‘farm vehicle’ as it applies to the state’s motor-vehicle code,” King added. “This new broad definition will allow farmers and farm workers the freedom to essentially move their products and equipment anywhere that is necessary to continue successful farming operations without fear of a citation by law enforcement.”

Once signed by the governor, the bill will become law 90 days after the conclusion of the session in which it was passed.