SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5227
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 Passed Senate, February 28, 2017
Title: An act relating to requiring drivers to stop for approaching other on-track equipment at railroad grade crossings.
Brief Description: Requiring drivers to stop for approaching other on-track equipment at railroad grade crossings.
Sponsors: Senators King, Hobbs, Hasegawa, Saldaña and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/30/17, 2/06/17 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/28/17, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators King, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Hawkins, O'Ban, Takko, Van De Wege, Walsh and Wilson.
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
Background: Current law requires drivers of vehicles on the road to stop at railroad crossings for trains and signals that indicate the approach of a train. Current law also requires counties, the Department of Transportation, and railroad companies to keep their respective rights-of-way clear of brush and timber near railroad crossings in order for drivers of vehicles on the road to clearly see approaching trains.
Summary of Bill: Statutes requiring drivers on the road to stop at railroad crossings for trains, or signals that indicates the approach of a train, are modified to also require drivers to stop for other on-track equipment.
Counties, the Department of Transportation, and railroad companies are required to keep their respective rights-of-way clear of brush and timber near railroad crossing in order for drivers of vehicles on the road to clearly see approaching on-track equipment.
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 bill recognizes that there is equipment other than trains on the railway. We need to update our statutes to reflect this.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Curtis King, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.