Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1129

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.

Brief Description: Including a bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety curriculum in certain traffic schools and safety courses.

Sponsors: Representatives Klippert, Liias, Billig, Rolfes, Fitzgibbon, Reykdal, Ryu, Finn and Moscoso.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires traffic schools conducted in connection with a condition of a deferral, sentence, or penalty for a traffic infraction or a traffic-related criminal offense to utilize the curriculum for driving safely among bicyclists and pedestrians approved by the Department of Licensing as part of the traffic school curriculum.

Hearing Date: 1/20/11

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

In Washington, individuals may defer one moving and one non-moving violation every seven years. As a condition of this deferral, courts may impose such conditions as the court feels appropriate, which often includes attendance at a driver improvement school or traffic school. If the individual meets all of the required conditions and has not committed another infraction, the court may dismiss the infraction at the end of the deferral period.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for overseeing the commercial driver training school program. The driver instructors' advisory committee reviews and updates the curriculum for driver training schools. The DOL is responsible for providing the driver training school curriculum to each applicant for an instructor or driver training school permit. In addition to information on the safe, lawful, and responsible operation of motor vehicles, the curriculum must include information regarding the intermediate driver's license restrictions and sanctions, the effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle operators, and the importance of safely sharing the road with bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles.

Summary of Bill:

Jurisdictions that conduct traffic schools in connection with a condition of a deferral, sentence, or penalty for a traffic infraction or a traffic-related criminal offense are required to utilize the curriculum for driving safely among bicyclists and pedestrians approved by the DOL. This addition to the traffic school curriculum is limited to no more than 30 minutes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested 1/17/2011.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.