SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1612

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Todd, Sayan, Belcher, Valle, Crane, Winsley, Lux, B. Williams, Walk, Barnes, Leonard, Gallagher, Lewis and Ferguson)

Prescribing penalties for failure to post disabled parking signs.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Kiskaddon, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1976 the Washington State Building Code Council adopted minimum standards to accommodate disabled persons in new or substantially remodeled public and private facilities.  State law does not conform to these standards.

The minimum standards include the number of handicapped parking spaces that must be installed at a new or substantially remodeled facility, and the size, design and placement of the handicapped parking signs.

According to the 1987 edition of the Barrier-Free Code, the signs must be three to five feet off the ground, display the international symbol of access, be white on a blue background, and contain the words "State disabled parking permit required".  The code also uses the term "disabled" person rather than "physically disabled" person.

SUMMARY:

State law is updated to conform with the State Building Code Council's disabled parking sign specifications.  The maximum height of the sign is raised from five to seven feet to provide enhanced visibility.

Failure to post a sign is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $25, plus assessments ($47 total) for each required parking space.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Todd, prime sponsor; Barbara Allan, Easter Seal Society (for); Glen Galbreath, Paralyzed Veterans of American (for)