Transportation

HB 2095 creates new legal protections for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) in designated areas like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. It requires law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to complete training on negligent driving involving these users by 2027-2028. The bill establishes a legal presumption of negligence when a vulnerable user is injured or killed in a designated area, shifting the burden to vehicle operators to prove they weren't negligent. Plaintiffs can recover actual damages, $1,500 in statutory damages, and attorney fees, with punitive damages possible for repeat offenders.

Senate Bill 5802 rebalances how state funds are transferred to support transportation and public works projects. The bill amends existing laws to modify the amounts and durations of transfers from the state's general fund and the public works assistance account. Specifically, it adjusts financial contributions to the connecting Washington account, the move ahead WA flexible account, and the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account. These changes generally reduce or shorten the periods for these transfers, directly affecting the financial allocations for various state transportation initiatives.