Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2111

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: Concerning the enforcement of regional transit authority fares.

Sponsors: Representatives Farrell, Hayes, Fey, Rodne, Zeiger, Fitzgibbon, Morrell, Jinkins, Moscoso, Ryu and Freeman.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows a regional transit authority to proscribe the size, content, and format for citations issued from electronic hand-held devices that are related to fares.

Hearing Date: 1/21/14

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Regional transit authorities (RTAs) are authorized to set fines and penalties for civil infractions established under the RTA statute. Fines established by a RTA may not exceed the amount established in statute for a Class 1 civil infraction, which is currently $250, before the addition of any statutory assessments, except in certain circumstances. A RTA may issue a civil infraction only for those prohibited activities included in the RTA statutes, which include: failure to pay the required fare, failure to display proof of payment when requested to do so by an authorized RTA employee, and failure to leave a facility when requested to do so by an individual authorized to monitor fare payment.

Summary of Bill:

The RTAs are authorized to proscribe the size, content, and format for citations issued from electronic hand-held devices that are related to:

The citation form must include only the required content related to fare payment civil infractions issued by the RTAs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2014.

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