SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6649

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Conner, Hansen and Bauer)

Clarifying the status of Adopt-a-Highway signs.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6649 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Conner, DeJarnatt, Hansen, Nelson, Patrick, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Robin Rettew (786-7306)

                March 2, 1990

House Committe on Transportation

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) began a pilot Adopt-A-Highway program in 1989.  This program encourages volunteers to pick up litter on a designated two mile section of highway for two years.  The DOT erects signs with the organization's name on both ends of the designated section of highway.  Although the DOT is currently erecting such signs, concern has been expressed that the RCWs governing signing should be amended to specifically permit Adopt-A-Highway signs.

SUMMARY:

The Scenic Vistas Act which regulates signing on interstate, primary and scenic highways is amended to permit Adopt-A-Highway signs along the right-of-way of the designated two mile section of highway adopted by a volunteer group.  Both state and local governments may erect Adopt-A-Highway signs.

Sponsors of the Adopt-A-Highway program are not defined.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   John Conrad, Department of Transportation

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

It is specified that adopt-a-highway signs may be placed along scenic highways.