HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5088
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 vehicles boarding ferries.
Brief Description: Regulating ferry queues.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker and Shin.
Brief History:
Transportation: 3/15/07, 3/28/07 [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; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Hailey, Hankins, Lovick, Rodne, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Ericksen, Hudgins, Kristiansen and Rolfes.
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Vehicles using the state ferry system are loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis. However,
in order to protect public health, safety and commerce, and to encourage more efficient use of
the ferry system, preferential loading privileges are granted to certain classes of vehicles
according to rules adopted by the Washington State Ferries. This includes emergency
vehicles, school buses, and public transit vehicles.
Summary of Bill:
It is a traffic infraction for a driver of a motor vehicle intending to board a Washington State
ferry to: (1) block a residential driveway while waiting to board the ferry; or (2) move in
front of another vehicle in a queue already waiting to board the ferry without the
authorization of a state ferry system employee. Vehicles qualifying for preferential loading
privileges are exempt from these requirements. For a vehicle which moves in front of
another vehicle, there is an additional penalty that requires the driver to move his or her
vehicle to the end of the ferry queue.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There needs to be an added deterrent to prevent people from cutting in line for a
ferry. Currently people are willing to risk getting caught cutting in line because the only
penalty is being sent to the back of the line.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Brian Ursino, Washington State Patrol.