Legislative Update

AAA supports the needs of our members through lobbying efforts and programs to inform the public of issues that might effect them as motorists.

The Washington and Idaho legislatures have both adjourned for the year.  The following is a summary of transportation-related legislation which was passed that will affect motorists:

Washington

• HB 2211 authorizes tolling on the State Route 520 bridge beginning next year.  The bill specifically orders the use of variable rate tolls which will change based on traffic volume and time of day.  Revenues from the tolls can only be used to pay for construction of a new bridge and the necessary landings.  The amount of the tolls are still to be determined.  They can be adjusted at least annually to reflect inflation.
• SB 5768 orders the state to expedite replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep-bore tunnel.  Up to $400,000 of the cost will be recovered through tolling.  Construction of the tunnel is expected to start in 2011, with traffic beginning to flow in 2015.
• SB 5469 allows the holder of an intermediate driver license to drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle if, for the first 12 months after getting the IDL license, the young driver has not been cited or determined to be at fault in a crash.
• SB 5509 allows a customer renting a car in Washington state who pays for a child passenger restraint system to cancel the reservation without penalties, and with a full refund, if the child restraint device is not available in a timely manner.
• SB 5574 requires automobile manufacturers to disclose if a motor vehicle is equipped with an electronic data recording device and the type of data recorded.  It also limits access to the recorded information.
• SB 5180 allows transit vehicles to stop, where it is safe to do so, at unmarked stop zones to pick up or drop off passengers.
• HB 2339 requires the Department of Licensing to collect $5 annually from motorists as part of motor vehicle registration to benefit the state parks system unless the owner actively chooses not to donate.

Idaho

• H 241 prohibits the use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) on highways with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour.
• H 97 allows for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to be established, but only in counties with a population of 25,000 or less that include a resort community.

You Can Make a Difference!

Legislators like to hear from their constituents. Since you help elect, or not elect them, legislators listen to what you have to say!

The links above will allow you to navigate the respective states’ legislative pages to find out who your legislators are if you don’t already know, how to contact them, obtain general information about the legislature and the legislative process, look up information on specific bills and votes, locate committee schedules and agendas, and request legislative documents. You can even sign up to get updates on the status of any bills you have a particular interest in when the legislatures are in session.

Both states have Legislative information Centers whose main purpose is to provide a link between legislators and their constituents. You can telephone or email the information centers to leave messages for your legislators or questions you may have about bills or laws.

The following is the contact information for each Legislative Information Center:

AAA is active in the legislative arena to ensure that the best interests of the motoring public are heard and considered as public policy is formulated. We encourage you to get involved in the legislative process in your state!

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