SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6045
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 of January 22, 2020
Title: An act relating to vulnerable users of a public way.
Brief Description: Concerning vulnerable users of a public way.
Sponsors: Senators Takko, Kuderer, Pedersen, Randall and Rolfes.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/21/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7472)
Background: A "vulnerable roadway user" is defined as a pedestrian; a person riding an animal; or a person operating any of the following on a public way:
a farm tractor or implement of husbandry, without an enclosed shell;
a bicycle;
an electric-assisted bicycle;
an electric personal assistive mobility device;
a moped;
a motor-driven cycle;
a motorized foot scooter; or
a motorcycle.
Vulnerable Roadway User Traffic Offense. A person commits negligent driving in the second degree with a vulnerable user victim if, under circumstances not constituting negligent driving in the first degree, the person operates a vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and the person proximately causes the death, great bodily harm, or substantial bodily harm of a vulnerable roadway user.
Summary of Bill: The definition of a vulnerable roadway user is expanded to also include a person who is riding:
a farm tractor or implement of husbandry, without an enclosed shell;
a bicycle;
an electric-assisted bicycle;
an electric personal assistive mobility device;
a moped;
a motor-driven cycle;
a motorized foot scooter; or
a motorcycle.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This was brought to me by a prosecutor that found when a driver had struck and killed two people who were riding a motorcycle, that under the statute only the operator of the motorcycle was a vulnerable roadway user. The vulnerable roadway user traffic offense law does not recognize the passenger or other person that may also be riding the vehicle at the time of a collision. This bill would recognize the other person as a vulnerable roadway user and the value their life has too.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.