HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2564
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 House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.
Brief Description: Adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Pedersen, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Hunt, Wood, McIntire, Roberts, Hudgins, Jarrett, Rolfes, Kagi, Chase and Simpson.
Brief History:
Transportation: 1/29/08, 2/6/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Appleton, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Hudgins, Jarrett, Loomis, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Herrera, Kristiansen, Rodne and Warnick.
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for overseeing the commercial driver
training school program. Driver training schools must meet standards set by the DOL, and
driver training schools must be annually approved by the DOL.
The driver instructors' advisory committee reviews and updates the curriculum for driver
training schools. The advisory committee also updates the instructor certification standards,
taking into consideration the standards set by the Office of the Superintendent of Public
Instruction (OSPI).
The DOL is responsible for providing the driver training school curriculum to each applicant
for an instructor or driver training school permit. In addition to information on the safe,
lawful, and responsible operation of motor vehicles, the curriculum must include information
regarding the intermediate driver's license restrictions and sanctions, the effects of alcohol
and drug use on motor vehicle operators, and the importance of safely sharing the road with
motorcycles.
If an instructor or school fails to teach the basic minimum curriculum, the DOL may revoke
the license of the instructor or school, or both.
Traffic safety education is also available to students in many school districts in the state.
Historically, these programs have been funded through a mixture of funds provided by the
state, the school district, and individual students' families.
The OSPI is required to adopt the necessary rules and regulations governing the operation
and scope of the traffic safety education program, and define the classroom and laboratory
student learning experiences that must be satisfactorily completed by a student in order to
successfully complete a traffic safety education course.
Summary of Bill:
Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety are added to the list of items that must be part of the
driver training curriculums developed by the DOL and the OSPI.
The act is named for Matthew "Tatsuo" Nakata.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Bicyclist and pedestrian safety should be included in the materials provided
during driver training. By doing so, this bill would make people both safer drivers and safer
bicyclists or pedestrians. Drivers need to be made aware of the increasing numbers of
bicyclists and pedestrians and how to treat them appropriately. Safer drivers means a safer
environment for everyone on the road.
Mathew Nakata was a pedestrian who was killed in a collision last year, thus it is appropriate
that this act be named for him.
We're encouraging people to ride or walk to work. Seattle is working on master plans for
both bicyclists and pedestrians. Passage of this bill would be another important step in
improving safety in Seattle and throughout the state.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Upthegrove, prime sponsor; Jan Drago, Seattle City Council; Michael D. Manderville and Gordon Black, Bicycle Alliance of Washington; Genesee Adkins, Transportation Choices Coalition; and Lori Williams.