SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5901
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 of February 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to providing information on volunteer refreshment and coffee services at safety rest areas.
Brief Description: Providing information on volunteer refreshment and coffee services at safety rest areas.
Sponsors: Senator Wagoner.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)
Background: The Department of Transportation (DOT) owns and operates 47 safety rest areas, most open to the public 24 hours a day. Features of the safety rest areas include parking, restrooms, drinking water, traveler information, vending machines, public telephones, and more. DOT estimates 24.4 million visitors used the state's safety rest areas in 2017.
DOT operates a safety rest area free coffee program to volunteer groups who want to provide free refreshment and coffee services to the public at 26 of the 47 safety rest areas. The volunteer groups must be non-profit organizations and obtain a permit and time slot from DOT. For some safety rest areas with high visitor volumes, a lottery system is used a year or more in advance. The refreshments offered must be free of charge, with no solicitation, handouts, or advertising permitted except for two signs designating the organization.
Summary of Bill: DOT must provide an online calendar with all the dates volunteer groups are scheduled to participate in the safety rest area free coffee program, as well as the dates where no group is scheduled. DOT must regularly update the online calendar to also reflect cancellation dates and newly scheduled dates outside of the existing lottery system.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The volunteer groups who hand out coffee are doing a public service and have prevented lots of accidents. Currently they are required to drive to the maintenance area to fill out the required forms in person, only to sometimes find out their desired date is already taken, which this bill would prevent.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Keith Wagoner, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.