HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1302

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/16/09, 2/18/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Excludes approximately four miles of State Route 7 from the state's scenic highway system, thereby permitting the erection and maintenance of signs along that section of the roadway.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Cox, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Sells, Shea, Springer, Takko, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Background:

The Highway Advertising Control Act (Act) was passed in 1961. The Act controls signs in areas adjacent to highways. The intent of the Act is to promote safety, convenience, and enjoyment of public travel along state highways, as well as to attract visitors by conserving the natural beauty of areas adjacent to highways. One of the law's provisions is a prohibition of most signs along scenic highways. Some signs are permitted, including signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located as well as information signs erected and maintained by the state, counties, cities, and towns. In 1971 exclusions from the state's scenic highways were designated; this statute has not changed since the time of enactment. State Route 7 from the junction of State Route (SR) 706 to the junction of SR 507 is one of the state's scenic highways. This section of highway is approximately 30 miles long.

Summary of Bill:

The bill excludes approximately four miles of SR 7 from the state's scenic highway system. As a result, the erection and maintenance of signs along this stretch of roadway are permitted.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This section of highway is not scenic; much of it runs along a military base and there is a wire fence running along the roadway. This bill is about jobs and economic viability. Small businesses need to be able to let people know about services that are available near the highway. Although state-owned signs that direct people to businesses are permitted, the state charges $350 per year to maintain these signs. It is permissible to open up a junkyard along a scenic highway, but it is not permissible to put up a sign.

(Opposed) None.