SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2514

BYRepresentatives Walker, Rust, Pruitt, D. Sommers, Phillips, Fraser, Brekke, G. Fisher, Jacobsen, Scott, Leonard, Valle, Betrozoff, Bowman, Winsley, Wineberry, Tate, May, Ferguson and Wolfe

Establishing a state-wide adopt-a-highway litter control program.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, DeJarnatt, Madsen, Murray, Nelson, Patrick, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Robin Rettew (786-7306)

                  February 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 21, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Currently, 27 states have established programs allowing volunteer organizations to "adopt-a-highway" to reduce roadside litter.  The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a pilot program in which nonprofit volunteer organizations agree to remove litter from two-mile sections of highway at least four times each year for a period of two years.  In return, the DOT erects permanent signs identifying the group and provides safety vests, hard hats, trash bags, removal of filled bags, temporary signs and initial safety training to the volunteer crews.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Transportation is directed to establish a statewide adopt-a-highway litter control program.  Volunteer organizations may participate, provided their name does not endorse or oppose a particular candidate for public office; advocate a position on a political issue, initiative, referendum or piece of legislation; or include a reference to a political party.

The department shall assign each eligible volunteer organization a specific section of highway for a specific period of time, erect signs with the organization's name on either end of the organization's section of highway, provide safety equipment and training, pay medical aid benefits premiums as provided for in the Industrial Insurance Act, and adopt rules necessary for implementation of this act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1990

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The Department of Transportation is required to obtain permission from property owners who lease right of way before allowing a volunteer organization to adopt a section of highway on such leased property.

Senate Committee - Testified: John Conrad, DOT