SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6248

                    As of January 31, 2000

Title:  An act relating to parking meter violations in cities over four hundred thousand population.

Brief Description:  Requiring certification of parking meters.

Sponsors:  Senators Heavey, Johnson, McCaslin and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  2/2/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  This summer several Seattle residents and visitors, who had parked their cars in a parking space subject to a parking meter, received what they considered unwarranted infraction notices for overtime parking.  The motorists asserted that the parking meters were not functioning properly and that they had paid for more parking time than the meters had allowed.

A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Seattle alleging that 40 percent of the city=s 7,500 parking meters have not been working properly, with the result that millions of dollars have been collected in unwarranted fines.

Summary of Bill:  In cities over 400,000, the mayor must certify by July 1 of each year that all parking meters in the city have been inspected and were working properly after the inspection.  After July 1 of each year, no ticket citations for parking meter violations may be issued until such a certification is made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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