SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5764

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 of February 11, 2015

Title: An act relating to the removal of graffiti from state-owned transportation facilities.

Brief Description: Requiring the removal of graffiti from state-owned transportation facilities by the department of transportation within twenty-four hours of notice.

Sponsors: Senators Fain, King, Hill, Rivers and Benton.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/10/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)

Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is not required to remove graffiti from state-owned transportation facilities within a specific time period. Under current practice, WSDOT typically responds to highly visible graffiti within one to two working days. For other less visible graffiti throughout the state, the average turn-around time is two weeks. However in urban areas, where lane closures are necessary, graffiti removal may take two weeks or longer to schedule in some cases. Current WSDOT expenditures for graffiti removal are $700,000 per biennium.

In the 2006 supplemental budget, $278,000 of one-time funds were provided to address graffiti on highways in the Seattle area. This provided dedicated resources for a limited amount of time which improved WSDOT's ability to address graffiti. While only temporary, the dedicated resources made for quicker removal and overall improvement with this issue.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): WSDOT must remove graffiti from all state-owned transportation facilities within 72 hours of the graffiti being reported to WSDOT.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: WSDOT attempts to remove anything that is offensive or obscene within 24 hours. Less-visible graffiti is removed within a couple of weeks. Traffic, weather, and homeless encampments can make it difficult to remove graffiti in a short period of time. Gang activity graffiti can require consultation with law enforcement, which can take a number of days to complete. The cost of the proposed substitute will be less, but not dramatically less than the fiscal note on the original bill.

Persons Testifying: OTHER: Chris Christopher, WSDOT.