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.

Washington

Proposed Tax Increase Could Impact Transportation Funding

A proposal in Olympia to triple the state’s hazardous substance tax has transportation advocates worried about the negative impact the measure could have on transportation funding in our state. (HB 3181 and companion bill SB 6851) Proposed as a means of addressing critical storm-water contamination needs, the tax increase initially will go primarily to the general fund, with the remainder paying back money the legislature has diverted from the state’s environmental accounts during the past few years.

Since 83 percent of this $224 million per year tax increase will be imposed on petroleum products, even proponents of the legislation acknowledge that it will likely drive up prices at the gas pump. This not only impacts motorists in the short run, but also could impair the state’s future ability to develop a comprehensive long-term transportation revenue plan to address critical safety and congestion problems.

Washington voters have supported gas tax increases when it has been clear that the money is being spent to fund specific improvements to our state transportation system. There is concern that a tax that will have a direct impact on gas prices is not only being used for non-transportation purposes but also could actually impair transportation funding in the future.

To contact your legislator, click here.

Traffic Safety

The highest profile traffic safety issue in Olympia this session is Senate Bill 6345. Introduced by Sen. Tracey Eide (D-Federal Way), this measure would authorize primary enforcement of the state's ban on hand-held cell phone use or texting while driving. Currently, a law enforcement officer has to have another reason to pull a motorist over before he can issue a cell phone or texting citation, but SB 6345 would allow an officer to make the stop and write a ticket just for the cell phone or texting violation. The bill would also make it illegal for drivers with permits and Intermediate licenses to use any kind of telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle. Senate Bill 6345 was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee with just three dissenting votes.

Idaho

Only two traffic safety bills have been introduced in Boise during the early stages of the 2010 Idaho legislative session. Senate Bill 1264 would prohibit the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving. Another measure, Senate Bill 1259, would prohibit motorists from using any type of wireless communications device while driving in a school zone. A measure is expected to be introduced soon that would make texting while driving illegal in Idaho. That bill has the apparent support of both the chair of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. JoAn Wood (R-Rigby) and Sen. John McGee (R-Caldwell) who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee.

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 on this page 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:

Washington Phone: 360-786-7573 Toll-free: 800-562-6000 Hearing impaired: 800-635-9993 Email: support@leg.wa.gov

Idaho Phone: 208-332-1000 Toll-free: 800-626-0471 Hearing impaired: 800-626-0471 Email: idleginfo@lso.idaho.gov

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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