Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SB 6102
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. |
Brief Description: Adjusting stop signal requirements for school buses.
Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Mullet, Wilson, C. and Sheldon; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/26/20
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration establishes federal safety requirements for school buses, including requirements for structural integrity, periodic inspections, and school bus seating and equipment standards. In addition to the federal requirements, states may also adopt requirements for school buses and their safe operation.
Under both federal and state law, school buses must be equipped with a stop signal that extends from the bus indicating that traffic must stop to allow children to pass safely. The size and style of the stop sign for buses are set out in federal rule and state law. Currently, the federal rule requires that the word "stop" be at least 5.9 inches high. The state statute requires the word "stop" be at least 8 inches high.
Summary of Bill:
The state requirement that the word "stop" displayed on a school bus stop signal is changed to specify that the letters be at least 5.9 inches high.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.