SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5086
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 Senate, March 7, 2007
Title: An act relating to increasing the population threshold for state highway maintenance responsibility in cities and towns.
Brief Description: Increasing the population threshold for state highway maintenance responsibility in cities and towns.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker and Murray.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/05/07, 2/8/07 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/07/07, 45-1.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: David Ward (786-7341)
Background: Certain city streets are designated as part of the state highway system. The
jurisdiction and control of these streets is defined in statute. Statute provides that in cities or
towns with a population of 22,500 or less, the Department of Transportation is responsible and
has authority for: roadway surfaces and shoulders; slope stability; route markers and directional
signs; traffic control signals; and snow plowing when necessary.
In 1991, a task force was created to study the maintenance responsibilities of cities and towns and
to reexamine the population threshold. As a result of the task force's recommendations, the
Legislature raised the population threshold from 15,000 to 22,500.
Once a city or town is determined to have exceeded the threshold, the transfer of maintenance
responsibilities takes effect three years from the date of the determination. During this time, cities
and towns may plan for additional staffing, budgetary and equipment requirements.
Summary of Bill: The population threshold at which cities and towns must assume additional responsibility for their streets that are part of the state highway system is raised from 22,500 to 25,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.