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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to excluding a portion of state route number 7 from the scenic system.
Brief Description: Excluding a portion of state route number 7 from the scenic system.
Sponsors: Representatives McCune and Campbell.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/16/09, 2/18/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
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.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Rolfes and Simpson.
Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322)
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.
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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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
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.
Persons Testifying: Representative McCune, prime sponsor; and James Pruitt.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.