In 2022, the Legislature passed ESSB 5974. Since enactment, certain drafting errors and omissions were identified resulting in some provisions being enacted contrary to legislative intent. Some corrective changes were identified that would better conform certain provisions with original legislative intent.
Included in the provisions of ESSB 5974 were the following:
Amendments are made to correct a drafting error, to make a regional transit authority eligible to receive state Regional Mobility Grant Program funds if the regional transit authority enacts a zero-fare policy for all passengers 18 years of age and younger to ride free of charge on all modes prior to October 1, 2022.
The Connecting Communities Grant Program is renamed the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program at the Department of Transportation, in honor of the Spokane community advocate, Sandy Williams.
The statewide school-based bicycle safety grant is modified to elaborate the types of equipment a non-profit may provide to partner schools, to include bicycles, helmets, locks and lights.
The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission is required to report to the transportation committees of the Legislature on activities funded from the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Account beginning December 1, 2024, and every two years thereafter.
Amendments are made correcting a drafting error, to the account title of account 20N JUDY Transportation Future Funding Program Account to allow the account to keep its own interest generated.
A requirement is recodified for the Department of Transportation to establish a complete streets provision from chapter 47.24 RCW City Streets as Part of State Highways to chapter 47.04 RCW General Provisions. Definitions of active transportation, complete streets, population center, safe systems approach, and shared-use path or multiuse path are added.