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

The Washington Legislature wrapped up another special session on April 11 in Olympia, approving a $31 billion budget before lawmakers headed for home. Before adjourning its regular session on March 8, legislators approved a $9.8 billion supplemental transportation budget and a modest transportation revenue package, which will provide critical maintenance and operations funding through the end of the current biennial budget in mid-2013.

The following is a summary of some of the higher profile transportation and traffic safety issues passed during the 2012 regular session:

• HB 2814 – Establishes construction authorization and conditions for replacing the SR 520 floating bridge and landings.
• SB 6444 – Authorizes tolling on the Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel replacement project.
• SB 6445 – Authorizes tolling on both the existing and replacement bridges over the Columbia River between Vancouver and Portland, Oregon, but only when sufficient funding is received to begin construction of the new span. It precludes tolling on the parallel I-205 bridge across the Columbia River.
• HB 2660 – Provides revenues for transportation maintenance and preservation by increasing some license fees and implementing an annual $100 license renewal fee for electric vehicles.
• SB 6150 – Extends duration of a driver's license and identicard from 5 years to 6 years beginning July 1, 2013. It also increases drivers' license and identicard fees from $5 to $9 annually.
• SB 5188 – Establishes conditions for cities using automated traffic safety cameras (red light cameras), including traffic analysis studies and signage and yellow light interval requirements.
• HB 2216 – Increases penalties for drunk drivers convicted of vehicular homicide.
• HB 2443 – Makes numerous changes regarding alcohol and drug-related driving statutes, thereby increasing accountability for persons who drive impaired.
• SB 6112 – Adds "alternative traction devices" to the list of existing permissible traction devices (chains and studded tires) that conform to standards adopted by the Washington State Patrol.

Idaho

After failing to pass bills in both the 2010 and 2011 sessions that would have made it illegal to text and drive at the same time, Idaho lawmakers finally pushed through Senate Bill 1274 this year to make Idaho the 37th state to adopt this lifesaving traffic safety legislation. Gov. Butch Otter signed the bill into law on April 5. It makes texting while driving an infraction punishable with an $85 fine, including court costs.

The following is a summary of some of the other high-profile legislation of interest to AAA Washington members that was passed by lawmakers in Boise this year:

• HB 619 – Gives the Idaho Department of Transportation authority to set speed limits within the city limits of incorporated cities.
• SB 1231 – Provides waiver from minimum motor vehicle emissions testing standards based on model year, fuel, size or other factors.
• HB 473 – Requires vision screening for drivers' licenses, permits, identification cards and motorcycle endorsements.
• HB 540 – Creates the "Online Insurance Verification Program" to verify the status of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage.
• SB 1390 – Allows a motorist pulled over by police to show proof of automobile liability insurance electronically in lieu of a printed document. Idaho becomes the first state to allow drivers to prove they own liability insurance using images downloaded on smart phones.
• SB 1268 – Authorizes insurers to require a maximum deductible of $250 for comprehensive coverage and $500 for collision or physical damage coverage as a requirement for renewing an automobile insurance policy.

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: