Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-12-024.

     Title of Rule: Chapter 392-143 WAC, Transportation -- Specifications for school buses.

     Purpose: The amendment will update the WAC to reflect new legislation requirements, and amend the specification requirements on school buses related to sign and markings - exterior and interior. These changes will also be reflected in the school bus specifications manual.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.61.380.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 46.61.380.

     Summary: To amend the specification requirements on school buses related to sign and markings - exterior and interior. The changes will also be reflected in the school bus specifications manual.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Linda Harrison, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (360) 725-6130; Implementation: Marcia Riggers, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (360) 725-6175; and Enforcement: Allan J. Jones, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (360) 725-6120.

     Name of Proponent: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Purpose above.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The change will allow the signs and markings for school buses - exterior and interior to be defined in the school bus specifications manual instead of the WAC. The change will also allow and regulate United States flags on school buses pursuant to SSB 6389 adopted during the 2002 legislative session.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This change will have no or very negligible economic impact.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.

     Hearing Location: Old Capitol Building, Wanamaker Conference Room, 1st Floor, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, on September 11, 2002, at 9-11 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sheila Emery by September 4, 2002, TDD (360) 664-3631, or (360) 725-6271.

     Submit Written Comments to: Legal Services, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 47200, 600 South Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, fax (360) 753-4201, by September 3, 2002.

     Date of Intended Adoption: September 12, 2002.

July 30, 2002

Dr. Terry Bergeson

Superintendent of

Public Instruction

OTS-5856.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 22, filed 11/19/91, effective 11/19/91)

WAC 392-143-080   Signs and markings for school buses -- Exterior -- Interior.   Signs and markings on the exterior of any school bus shall be limited to the requirements of RCW 46.61.380, the Washington state minimum specifications manual for school buses addressing "identification" and "color," the minimum requirements of "Highway Safety Program Standard No. 17," and any applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). In addition, the district name may be placed on the front and/or back of the bus below the window line in letters no larger than three inches in height and equipment identification numbers may be placed on the front and/or rear of school bus and/or on or near one or more of the four corners of the bus.

     Signs and markings on the interior of any bus shall be limited to necessary and/or required manufacturers' equipment and/or component identification and instruction, the requirements of the Washington state minimum specification manual for school buses addressing "emergency equipment cabinet" and "permit holder" and FMVSS 217 addressing "emergency exit identification." In addition, WAC rules and/or district policy addressing student conduct and safety related issues may be displayed in the driver's compartment in an area which will not obstruct the driver's view. ((Also a sign for route identification may be displayed in the first right-side passenger window. The sign shall be no larger than seventy-five square inches in total area, and numbers, letters or characters shall be mounted on transparent material.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.380. 91-23-069 (Order 22), § 392-143-080, filed 11/19/91, effective 11/19/91.]

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