SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8008
As of January 12, 2024
Brief Description: Designating mileposts 45 to 51 of state route number 6 as the Washington state patrol trooper Justin R. Schaffer memorial highway.
Sponsors: Senator Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/15/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requests the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to designate a section of State Route 6 in Lewis County as the Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer Memorial Highway.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Megan Tudor (786-7478)
Background:

Naming Highways. The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The Commission naming 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 Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, or an individual providing sufficient evidence to the Commission indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. Alternatively, the Legislature may pass a joint memorial requesting a facility be named, at which point the Commission will hold a public hearing to allow public input. After the Commission takes final action, WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.

 

Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer. Trooper Justin R. Schaffer graduated with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned in September 2014. Trooper Schaffer became a Drug Recognition Expert in 2016, then partnered with narcotics K9 Frankie in 2018. On March 24, 2020, Trooper Schaffer was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips to stop a fleeing armed robbery suspect.
Summary of Bill:

Requests the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to designate the section of State Route 6 from milepost 45 to milepost 51 in Lewis County as the Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer Memorial Highway.
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.