SB 5274-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that an authority is authorized to establish, by resolution, a schedule of fines and penalties for civil infractions established in this act.  Fines established by a regional transit authority shall not exceed those imposed for class 1 infractions under RCW 7.80.120.

     Provides that persons traveling on trains, including but not limited to commuter trains or light rail trains, operated by an authority, shall pay the fare established by the authority.  Such persons shall produce proof of payment when requested by a person designated to monitor fare payment.

     Declares that the following constitute civil infractions punishable according to the schedule of fines and penalties established by the authority of this act:  (1) Failure to pay the required fare;

     (2) failure to display proof of payment when requested to do so by a person designated to monitor fare payment; and

     (3) failure to depart the train, including but not limited to commuter trains and light rail trains, when requested to do so by a person designated to monitor fare payment.

     Declares that nothing in RCW 81.112.020 and this act shall be deemed to prevent law enforcement authorities from prosecuting for theft, trespass, or other charges by any individual who:  (1) Fails to pay the required fare on more than one occasion within a twelve-month period;

     (2) fails to sign a notice of civil infraction; or

     (3) fails to depart the train, including but not limited to commuter trains and light rail trains, when requested by a person designated to monitor fare payment.

     Declares that "proof of payment" means evidence of fare prepayment authorized by a regional transit authority for the use of trains, including but not limited to commuter trains and light rail trains.