Transportation

signed · Washington · House May 12, 2025

HB 1970: Concerning state highway construction project alternative contracting procedures.

House Bill 1970 modifies the procedures for state highway construction projects, primarily affecting the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The bill exempts WSDOT from needing to obtain certification or project-specific approval from a committee when using alternative contracting methods like "design-build" or "general contractor/construction manager." Additionally, it removes a previous monetary threshold for competitively bid highway construction contracts that may be constructed using a design-build procedure. These changes aim to streamline WSDOT's ability to utilize these alternative procurement methods for infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts WSDOT from approval requirements for highway construction, streamlining infrastructure projects. No funding cuts or restrictions mentioned.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Washington · House May 12, 2025

HB 1596: Concerning accountability for persons for speeding.

HB 1596, titled "Concerning accountability for persons for speeding," requires certain drivers to install an "intelligent speed assistance device" in their vehicles. This applies to individuals with temporary restricted or occupational driver's licenses, those on probation for specific traffic offenses, or by court order. The device uses GPS to limit a vehicle's speed to the posted limit, though it includes a limited override function for up to three uses per month. Drivers are responsible for the costs of installation, maintenance, and a monthly fee, with some exemptions for employer-owned vehicles and indigence. Data collected by these devices is securely maintained and generally not shared without a court order.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates speed-limiting devices for specific drivers to prevent speeding, directly enhancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Washington · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 5764: Repealing the expiration date for the ambulance transport fund.

SB 5764 repeals the expiration date for the ambulance transport fund. This action makes the fund permanent, ensuring its continued operation beyond a previously set deadline. The bill directly affects the longevity and stability of funding for ambulance transport services, impacting those who rely on these services and the providers themselves.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRepeals expiration of ambulance transport fund, ensuring permanent funding for emergency medical transportation services, directly supporting transportation infrastructure stability.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Washington · House Apr 21, 2025

HB 1650: Concerning the addition of airport capital projects as an allowable use of local real estate excise tax revenues.

House Bill 1650 expands the allowable uses of local real estate excise tax (REET) revenues for counties and cities. It permits these local governments to fund certain airport capital projects through REET. Specifically, eligible airport projects are those included in the Washington aviation system plan or national plan of integrated airport systems with fewer than 10,000 annual enplanements. However, the bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for installing or improving leaded fuel systems at airports.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly permits REET funds for airport capital projects (transportation infrastructure), expanding funding for aviation system infrastructure per Washington aviation plans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Washington · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 1064: Eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.

HB 1064 eliminates the expiration date for the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team, informally known as SYNC. This team, comprised of state infrastructure program representatives, coordinates funding and projects to help local governments meet their infrastructure needs efficiently and cost-effectively. By removing the June 30, 2025, sunset date, the bill makes the team's work permanent. It also updates the team's reporting requirement to submit a biennial progress report to the legislature starting in November 2026.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permanently maintains a team coordinating infrastructure funding/projects, directly advancing transportation infrastructure efficiency and cost-effectiveness per summary.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Washington · House Apr 11, 2025

HB 1054: Concerning county ferry maintenance and repair contracts.

HB 1054 allows counties operating ferry systems to enter into longer-term contracts (up to 10 years) for the maintenance and repair of county ferry vessels, specifically exempting these contracts from standard annual competitive bidding requirements. This change directly affects counties with ferry operations under Chapter 36.54 RCW, streamlining procurement for essential vessel upkeep. The bill amends existing law to permit "unit priced contracts" for ferry maintenance with extended terms, while keeping all other public works projects subject to standard competitive bidding rules. This policy adjustment aims to provide stability for ongoing ferry maintenance without altering general county purchasing procedures.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines ferry maintenance procurement (a transportation infrastructure component) by permitting longer contracts, ensuring continued operational stability of county ferry systems under RCW 36.54.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation