SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5253

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 Senate Committee On:

Transportation, January 28, 2019

Title: An act relating to the use of "van accessible" parking spots.

Brief Description: Concerning the use of "van accessible" parking spots.

Sponsors: Senators Sheldon and Kuderer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/19, 1/28/19 [DPS].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

  • Prohibits persons from parking in van accessible parking spaces unless they are parking vehicles utilizing wheelchairs or mobility equipment.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5253 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Van accessible parking spaces are spaces reserved for vans transporting persons with a physical disability. Van accessible parking spaces are similar to accessible parking spaces for cars; however, van accessible spaces are wider than accessible car spaces and must have a wider access aisle to accommodate wheelchair lifts—96 inches compared to 60 inches for accessible car spaces.

Persons who have been issued special license plates for persons with disabilities, parking placards, or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities may park in places reserved for persons with physical disabilities. It is a parking infraction to unlawfully park in a place reserved for persons with physical disabilities.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): In addition to having the required special license plates or placards, persons may not park in van accessible parking spaces unless they are parking vehicles utilizing wheelchairs or mobility 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 on First Substitute: PRO: Many people need parking accommodations. This bill was brought from a constituent request. Many times reserved parking spaces are misused. This bill would help ensure parking spots are available for people using wheelchairs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Tim Sheldon, Prime Sponsor; Charlotte Shepherdson, citizen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.