SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5957
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 23, 2015
Title: An act relating to creating a pedestrian fatality and serious injury review panel.
Brief Description: Creating a pedestrian fatality and serious injury review panel.
Sponsors: Senators Liias, Rivers, Billig, King, Hobbs, Frockt and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/23/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7472)
Background: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is the designated highway safety office for Washington. According to the WTSC, in 2014, there were 67 pedestrian-vehicle collision fatalities, and 283 pedestrian-vehicle collision serious injuries in Washington.
Summary of Bill: The WTSC must convene a pedestrian fatality and serious injury review panel. The panel must include the following members:
a representative from the WTSC;
a coroner from the county where the most pedestrian deaths have occurred;
a representative from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs;
a representative from the Department of Transportation;
a representative from the transportation or planning department of the municipality in which each pedestrian fatality occurred; and
a representative from a pedestrian advocacy group.
The panel must examine each individual pedestrian fatality and serious injury that occurs in Washington, and the statutes, ordinances, and policies governing pedestrians and traffic related to the incidents. The panel must also review law enforcement incident reports, victim, witness, and suspect statements, and any other information determined to be relevant for the review.
The panel must provide a report and make recommendation on measures that could improve pedestrian safety by December 31 of each year. The report must be provided to the Governor, the transportation committees of the Legislature, and all municipal governments and state agencies participating in the panel.
Representatives of the WTSC and the other panelists are immune from civil liability for the good-faith exercise of the duties of the panel related to the reviewing of fatalities and serious injuries. Nothing in this act is intended to create a private civil cause of action.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.