SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6649

BYSenators 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)

                February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 1, 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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The specification that a sponsor of the Adopt-A-Highway program be either a nonprofit or commercial entity is removed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   John Conrad, Department of Transportation