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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
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has called legislators back into special session in Olympia to reach an agreement on how to close a $2.8 billion general fund operating budget shortfall. The 60-day regular session ended on March 11 with a backlog of bills passed on the last day.
Several transportation and traffic safety bills were among the many measures approved by lawmakers during the regular session:
- SB 6392 authorizes the state to begin moving forward with construction and tolling plans for the new S.R. 520 bridge and corridor.
- SB 6345 makes talking on a handheld cell phone and sending text messages while driving primary offenses. This bill also makes it illegal for all drivers under age 18 to use any wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle.
- SB 6363 requires that fines be doubled for speed violations within school, crosswalk or playground zones.
- HB 2464 defines what an 'emergency zone' is and establishes penalties for speeding and reckless driving in such a zone.
Idaho
The Idaho Legislature is expected to wrap up its work by the end of March. The primary traffic safety bill that appears headed for passage in Boise is Senate Bill 1352 which would require that sending text messages while driving result in a charge of "inattentive driving." A bill that would prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle and another that would make it illegal to use any type of wireless communications device while driving in a school zone failed to gain the necessary support for passage.
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 |
Idaho |
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!
The Washington and Idaho state legislatures are back in session in Olympia and Boise, respectively. The 2008 Idaho Legislature began deliberations on January 7 while Washington lawmakers convened on January 14. In Washington, a bill to establish guidelines for future tolling to help pay for highways and bridges will be the centerpiece of transportation legislation. A state financing plan to pay for the State Route 520 bridge over Lake Washington, and a renewed effort to establish a regional transportation organization to oversee the planning, funding, and implementation of transportation projects in the Puget Sound Region are also expected to have a high profile during the short, 60-day session in Olympia. In Idaho, highway and transit funding, increases in fines and/or court costs for failing to wear a seat belt, and a ban on text messaging while driving are all expected to attract the attention of lawmakers. Watch this website location for periodic updates on traffic safety and transportation legislation throughout the 2008 sessions!
You Can Make a Difference!
The 2008 legislative sessions in Washington and Idaho are well underway. As we move through the sessions, AAA makes it easy for you to contact your elected officials on bills of importance to you. Simply click here Washington or Idaho to gain online access to all of the information you need to stay informed and utilize your power as a voter to influence the process. Legislators like to hear from their constituents. Since you help elect, or not elect them, legislators listen to what you have to say!
These links will allow you to navigate the respective states' legislative home 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.
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:
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