SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1262
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 March 15, 2017
Title: An act relating to accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Brief Description: Concerning accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Sponsors: Representatives McBride, Dye, Peterson, McCabe, Riccelli, Gregerson, Fey, Dolan, Muri and Lovick.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/15/17, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/14/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: The federal Americans with Disabilities Act requires that car parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide and van parking spaces must be at least 132 inches wide. Both types of parking spaces must have an adjacent access aisle extending the full length of the parking space its serves, measuring at least 60 inches wide and 20 feet long, and it must be marked so as to discourage parking in it. The access aisle must be parallel to the vehicle pull-up parking space and is typically used as a passenger loading zone. Two parking spaces are permitted to share a common access aisle.
Alternatively, a van parking space may be decreased to at least 96 inches wide provided the adjacent access aisle is increased to at least 96 inches wide.
Summary of Bill: The minimum width dimensions for an access aisle located adjacent to a van parking space is increased from 60 inches to 96 inches in all cases. The access aisle must be in addition to the adjacent van parking space, however, two van parking spaces may share a common adjacent access aisle.
A sign must be erected at the head of each access aisle that prohibits parking in the access aisle. The sign may also include additional language indicating the penalty for parking in the access aisle.
The State Building Code Council must adopt rules by January 1, 2018, to implement in the building code the access aisle width and marking requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2018.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Van accessible parking spots and adjacent aisles just aren't wide enough for proper wheelchair access. This bill increases the access area to help with wheelchair loading and unloading. The bill also serves an important function by prohibiting parking in the access aisles next to the parking spots. The bill clarifies any ambiguities in the law on this topic. Every person using a wheelchair has encountered at some point vehicles parked in the access aisle, obstructing access to their own vehicles. This bill helps disabled drivers and passengers get in and out of their own vehicles. The access elements of the state building code apply prospectively only.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joan McBride, Prime Sponsor; Toby Olson, Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.