FINAL BILL REPORT

                 ESHB 2439

                         C 165 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for traffic safety education.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Transportation Policy & Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives D. Sommers, Costa, Benson, Sterk, Gombosky and O'Brien).

House Committee on Transportation Policy & Budget

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:  The Legislature created the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) to plan and supervise programs for the prevention of accidents on streets and highways.  The commission also coordinates the development of traffic safety programs and works to promote and improve driver education.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) and driver training schools provide information on traffic safety in traffic education courses and instructional materials.

The DOL may require a driver to submit to an examination if the department determines that the driver is incompetent or otherwise not qualified to be licensed.  Following the examination, the department may suspend or revoke the license of the driver or issue the driver a license subject to restrictions.

Summary:  The WTSC will work with stakehholders to develop an educational program on pedestrian safety and the safe operation of bicycles.  The WTSC must report its conclusions to the Legislative Transportation Committee.

The bicycle and pedestrian safety education account is created in the state treasury.  A one-time appropriation of $100,000 is made from the Highway Safety Fund.

The DOL and driver training schools must provide information on the use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles.  Additionally, they must provide educational information on bicyclists' and pedestrians' rights and responsibilities.

When a driver is responsible for a crash resulting in the death of a person, the DOL must require the driver to submit to an examination.  The examination must be completed within 120 days after the department receives the accident report.  A driver responsible for a crash resulting in a serious injury may be retested by the DOL.

Bicycle equipment requirements for riding at night are changed.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate490(Senate amended)

House(House refused to concur)

First Conference Committee

Senate470

House(House refused to adopt)

Second Conference Committee

Senate2423(Senate failed on final passage)

Senate(Senate reconsidered)

Senate(Conference committee relieved)

Senate490(Senate amended)

House980(House concurred)

Effective:June 11, 1998