HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6208

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to temporary agricultural directional signs.

Brief Description: Concerning temporary agricultural directional signs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Hatfield and Shin).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/22/10, 2/24/10 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

  • Permits temporary agricultural directional signs to be erected on a state highway right-of-way.

  • Requires requests for permission to place signs within a state highway right-of-way to be approved within 10 days, so long as the sign does not create a safety concern.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 27 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Nealey, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Williams and Wood.

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322).

Background:

The Highway Advertising Control Act — Scenic Vistas Act prohibits most signs from being visible from interstate, primary, or scenic highway systems. One of the exceptions to this prohibition are temporary agricultural directional signs. These signs provide directions for motorists to locate businesses that sell seasonal agricultural products. These temporary agricultural directional signs may be posted on private property adjacent to a state highway right-of-way. They may be posted only during the period of time that the agricultural product is being sold and must advertise products being sold within 15 miles of the highway. These signs are not permitted within an incorporated city or town. Posting of these signs is regulated by a permitting system established by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

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Summary of Amended Bill:

The places where temporary agricultural directional signs are permitted are expanded to include a state highway right-of-way. Requests to place a temporary agricultural directional sign must be approved within 10 days of application, provided the sign does not create a safety concern.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

The amended bill increases the time that the WSDOT has to approve requests for temporary agricultural directional signs from five days to 10 days.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The WSDOT supports allowing temporary agricultural directional signs on state highway right-of-ways; however, the WSDOT requests that the bill be changed to allow the WSDOT 10 days to approve requests rather than five. The additional time will ensure the signs are safely installed. These temporary agricultural directional signs are intended to be used on rural highways; not interstates. The Department of Agriculture supports this bill. These signs will help farmers directly sell their goods to the public.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Ted Trepanier, Washington State Department of Transportation; and Jeff Canaan, Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.