SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4010

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 25, 2016

Brief Description: Requesting that state route number 99 be named the "William P. Stewart Memorial Highway."

Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Santos, Stanford, Wylie, S. Hunt, Tharinger, Ortiz-Self, Fitzgibbon, Sells, Ryu, Walkinshaw, Kagi, Peterson, Hudgins, Robinson and Bergquist.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/15/16, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/22/16, 2/24/16, 2/25/16 [DPA, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair, Budget; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cleveland, Jayapal, Litzow, Miloscia, Rivers, Sheldon and Takko.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Carlyle.

Staff: Brian Connell (786-7346)

Background: The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. WSTC policy states: "a naming is done in a thorough and deliberative manner to honor and institute an enduring memory of a person or group of people who have contributed significantly to the well-being of the state or nation and with the widespread support of the people from the area in which the facility is located."

The naming process can be initiated by the Legislature, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), state and local governmental entities, or citizens and citizen organizations. The process may be initiated by the Legislature passing a Joint Memorial or by another entity providing sufficient evidence to the WSTC indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal.

If the Legislature passes a Joint Memorial requesting that a facility be named, WSTC will hold a public hearing to allow for public input. After taking final action, WSTC will notify WSDOT and the department must design and install the appropriate signs in accordance with state and federal standards.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to name State Route 99 the "William P. Stewart Memorial Highway."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: State Route 99 should be named for William P. Stewart to honor his courage, his service during the Civil War, and for his role as a farmer and pioneer of Snohomish. The highway should be named to remove confusion regarding previous attempts to name the facility.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dunshee, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.