SB 5264

SENATE 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 Senate, March 7, 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: Senators Haugen and Swecker; by request of Transportation Commission.

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.

Background: Historically, the Washington Transportation Commission has named various transportation facilities throughout the state. Typically, the Legislature, through a joint memorial, will submit a request to the Commission that a particular facility be named after an individual who has had some significant impact on the state transportation system. However, no specific legal authority exists in statute granting the Commission ability to name transportation facilities.

Summary of Bill: The Washington Transportation Commission may name or rename state transportation facilities, such as state highways, bridges, rest areas, and roadside viewpoints. The Washington State Department of Transportation, state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, and any person may initiate the naming or renaming process. The requesting entity or person must provide sufficient evidence, as determined by the Commission, indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is the Washington Transportation Commission's only request legislation this session. The Commission would like clear legal authority to name state transportation facilities. It is a service the Commission has been doing for many years, and the Legislature should clearly spell out in law which agency should have this authority and under what conditions.