SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2780

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 24, 1992

Brief Description:  Creating the school pathway and bus stop improvement program.

SPONSORS: Representatives G. Cole, Peery, Vance, Paris, Jones, Scott and J. Kohl

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Metcalf, Murray, Oke, Pelz, Rinehart, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Mich'l Prentice‑Needham (786‑7439)

Hearing Dates: February 20, 1992; February 24, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Task Force on Student Transportation Safety was established by 1989 legislation to develop recommendations for reducing the dangers children face as they travel to and from school.  The task force recommended establishing a school pathway and bus stop improvement program.  Legislation creating a School Pathway and Bus Stop Improvement Program Council was passed in 1991.  However, it was not funded and did not take effect.

SUMMARY:

The School Pathway and Bus Stop Improvement Program Council is created to make recommendations about roads, streets and bus stops that are inadequate for children traveling to and from school.

The council shall develop a program for making safety improvements; establish criteria for identifying roads and school bus stops that may be inadequate for elementary school students; establish recommendations for safety improvements; inventory roads within a one-mile radius of elementary schools; inventory inadequate school bus stops; recommend priority safety improvement projects; develop an implementation plan for local jurisdictions; recommend guidelines for incorporating pedestrian safety considerations into school siting decisions and constructing pedestrian safety infrastructure improvements within a specified time frame for new schools; create incentives and enforcement measures; and estimate the cost of implementing statewide sidewalk crossing rules.  Recommendations of the council are advisory only and shall not constitute proof of an actual unsafe condition.

Council members shall include two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, school district administrators, school board members, counties, cities, the Traffic Safety Commission, school bus drivers, and parents.  The Washington Traffic Safety Commission will provide staffing and administrative support.

After July 1, 1993 the council will provide general oversight, coordination, and assistance to local governments, state agencies, and private parties.  By June 30, 1994, the council will submit recommendations and findings to the Legislature, Governor, local governments, school districts, and other appropriate agencies.  The act expires June 30, 1997.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

An appropriation of $20,000 is added for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

TESTIMONY FOR:

There are some problems with school safety especially in areas with rapid growth.  Following the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Transportation Safety will make schools safer and save the state money in the long run.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Representative Grace Cole; Lynn McKinnon, Public School Employees; Steve Lind, Washington Traffic Safety Commission