SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5903
As of January 31, 2022
Title: An act relating to providing multimodal transportation options at drive-up services.
Brief Description: Providing multimodal transportation options at drive-up services.
Sponsors: Senators Billig, Rivers, Das, Dhingra, Hunt, Keiser, Kuderer, Liias, Lovelett, Lovick, Nguyen, Randall, Salda?a, Trudeau and Wellman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/31/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows multimodal transportation alternatives to access publicly or privately operated drive-up services. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Jenna Forty (786-7755)
Background:

There is no current prohibition to allowing drive-up service delivery to non- motorized modal options.  However, operators have discretion to refuse service to clientele not accessing drive-up services in a motor vehicle.  Current law is silent on modal allowances for publicly or privately operated drive-up services.  Some local jurisdictions across the country have attempted to address the issue.
Summary of Bill:

At publicly or privately operated drive- up services,  access must be provided for other multimodal transportation alternatives.  Other mulitmodal transportation alternatives are defined as bicyclists, pedestrians, and other nonmotor vehicle modes of transportation.  If allowance of non-motorized options creates a safety hazard by mixing with vehicle traffic, an alternate lane or lanes must be provided for non-motorized modes to access drive-up services. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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:  Access to services and facilities has been challenging as a non-driver and has become more pronounced with the COVID 19 pandemic as businesses expand drive-up only offerings.  A suggestion was offered to amend the bill using "mobility device" instead of non motorized vehicle, to accommodate all types of mobility aids.

 

CON:  Drive through facilities were designed for motor vehicles, and are not safe for pedestrians.  Adding additional conditions for expanded facilities would be onerous for many businesses.

 

OTHER:  Request to amend the language of the bill to make services accessible for all users, and ADA compliant.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Andy Billig, Prime Sponsor; Wes Mills; Lee Lambert, Washington Bikes.
CON: Mark Johnson, Washington Retail Association.
OTHER: Anna Zivarts, Disability Mobility Initiative, Disability Rights WA.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.