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 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.

Another traffic safety bill is moving through the legislative process with plenty of support. House Bill 2464 would double the normal fine for motorists who speed in "emergency zones" where an emergency vehicle is utilizing its signal lights or sirens. The bill would also create the crime of "reckless endangerment of emergency workers," a violation of which would be a gross misdemeanor and result in an automatic 60-day driver's license suspension. A similar senate bill (SB 6231) is also receiving the early support of legislators.

State Representative Christopher Hurst (D-Enumclaw) has introduced a controversial bill that would limit the fine for an infraction generated by an automatic traffic safety camera to $25. House Bill 2780 would also require the yellow light duration to be at least four seconds at intersections where traffic safety cameras are installed. Further, the measure would change the process by which the registered owner could challenge an infraction generated by an automated traffic safety camera to limit a court's ability to require further action when a registered owner states that the vehicle was being driven by another person at the time the infraction occurred.

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 above 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:

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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