Bill > HB1616

This bill expands the existing law on unlawful transit conduct to explicitly include Washington state ferries as a location where these conduct restrictions apply. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of "transit authority" in RCW 9.91.025 to add "the Washington state ferries" to the list of entities covered by the law. The bill maintains the existing list of prohibited behaviors on transit vehicles and at transit facilities, which include actions like smoking in non-designated areas, littering, playing loud music without headphones, urinating or defecating outside of restrooms, carrying dangerous materials, consuming alcohol without authorization, obstructing passenger traffic, engaging in disruptive behavior, damaging property, and other actions inconsistent with the intended use of transit spaces. A person who violates these rules on a Washington state ferry would now be guilty of a misdemeanor, just as they would be if committing the same actions on other types of transit vehicles or at transit facilities. The bill essentially ensures that the same standards of conduct that apply to buses, trains, and other transit modes also apply to ferry transportation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1616&Year=2025&Initiative=false