SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5470

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Transportation, March 5, 1997

Title:  An act relating to passing school buses.

Brief Description:  Doubling penalties for passing school buses.

Sponsors:  Senators Rossi, Hargrove, Benton, Sellar, Morton, Winsley, Finkbeiner, Oke, Hochstatter, Long, Swecker, Johnson, Zarelli and Strannigan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/27/97, 3/5/97 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5470 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prince, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Goings, Haugen, Heavey, Horn, Jacobsen, Morton, Oke, Patterson and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786-7322)

Background:  The basic fine for the traffic infraction of failing to stop for a school bus that has its red lights on (i.e., discharging or picking up school children) is $80. There is an additional surcharge for court costs.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The basic fine for the traffic infraction of failing to stop for a school bus that has its red lights on is doubled, to $160.  These fines may not be waived, reduced or suspended.  Fifty percent of this fine ($80) is deposited into the school zone safety account to be used for traffic safety in and around schools, and for student safety in school bus loading and unloading zones.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Money in the school zone safety account is allowed to be used for safety programs where students board or exit the bus.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Too many drivers pass school buses illegally, when students are loading or unloading from the bus.  This is  a danger especially to younger children.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Rossi, prime sponsor; Susan Braukus, Sharron Goodman, Connie O=Donnell, Barbara Johnson, Carol Tennison, Walt Lenahan, Marge Durfey, Public School Employees; Marsh Pugh, WA State Patrol; NEUTRAL:  Steve Lind, Traffic Safety Commission.