HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5264


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 Passed House:
April 3, 2007

Title: An act relating to naming or renaming state transportation facilities.

Brief Description: Authorizing the transportation commission to name or rename state transportation facilities.

Sponsors: By Senators Haugen and Swecker; by request of Transportation Commission.

Brief History:

Transportation: 3/21/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/3/07, 95-2.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides that the Washington State Transportation Commission may name or rename state transportation facilities.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Wallace and Wood.

Staff: Harvey Childs (786-7322).

Background:

Under current policy, the Washington State Transportation Commission (Transportation Commission) is responsible for naming transportation facilities. In addition to the evidence below, the policy states that community support shall be measured, preferably through a resolution or memorial adopted by the Legislature. Necessary evidence includes:

Following final Transportation Commission action naming the facility, the DOT designs and installs the appropriate sign in accordance with state and federal standards.


Summary of Bill:

The bill provides a process for naming state transportation facilities by the Transportation Commission. The facilities to be named or renamed can include: state highway bridges, structures, and facilities; state rest areas; and state roadside facilities, such as viewpoints. The Transportation Commission must consult with the DOT before taking final action.
      
The DOT, state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, and any person may initiate the process.

Requesting entities or persons must provide sufficient evidence, as determined by the Transportation Commission, indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. This evidence from or in the impacted area encompassing the state transportation facility may include:

The DOT shall design and install the appropriate signs in accordance with state and federal standards after final action is taken by the Transportation Commission naming or renaming a state transportation facility.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The act takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The proposed legislation puts into statute the current policy of the Transportation Commission. The Transportation Commission has been naming facilities using this process for the past 20 plus years and averages about five to six requests per year. The Transportation Commission has not turned down a request in seven years.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Elmira Forner, Washington State Transportation Commission.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.