SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5402
As of February 10, 2023
Title: An act relating to authorizing public transportation benefit areas to become limited authority Washington law enforcement agencies.
Brief Description: Authorizing public transportation benefit areas to become limited authority Washington law enforcement agencies.
Sponsors: Senators Randall, Gildon, Trudeau, Holy, Nobles, Lovick, Kuderer, Nguyen and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/13/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes public transportation benefit areas to become limited authority law enforcement agencies.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
Staff: Joe McKittrick (786-7287)
Background:

A general authority Washington law enforcement agency is any agency department or division of a municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other unit of local government, and any agency department or division of state government that has as its primary function the detection and apprehension of individuals committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws in general, such as the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.


A limited authority Washington law enforcement agency is any agency political subdivision, or unit of local government, and any agency, department, or division of state government that has as one of its functions the apprehension or detection of individuals committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws relating to limited subject areas such as the state Departments of Natural Rsources and Social and Health Services, the State Gambling Commission, the State Lottery Commission, the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission, the state Liquor and Cannabis Board, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the state Department of Corrections, and the Office of Independent Investigations.


A public transportation benefit area (PTBA) is a municipal corporation tasked with providing public transportation. PBTAs are the most common form of transit agency and may be composed of a service area that is smaller than county-wide, county-wide, or multi-county.
Summary of Bill:

PTBAs are included in the definition of limited authority Washington law enforcement agencies. Designated officers of PTBAs are vested with the authority to enforce general criminal statutes or ordinances of the state within transportation facilities, any bus or other mode of public transportation, and the boundaries of property owned or managed by the PTBA.


Designated officers are authorized to issue traffic infractions for violations of state or local laws, ordinances, regulations, or resolutions relating to stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle that occur on property owned or managed by the PTBA. PTBA officers are also authorized to enforce the PTBA's rules, regulations and policies regarding passenger conduct.


The inclusion of PTBAs as limited authority law enforcement agencies does not preclude general authority Washington State peace officers from exercising their authority.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.