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WA SB5556

WA SB5556
Modernizing the adopt-a-highway program to improve its ability to meet its original purpose within existing fiscal limitations.


summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
02/25/2025
Passed
04/25/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to modernizing the adopt-a-highway program to 2 improve its ability to meet its original purpose within existing 3 fiscal limitations; amending RCW 47.40.100 and 47.36.400; adding a 4 new section to chapter 47.40 RCW; creating a new section; and 5 providing an effective date. 6

AI Summary

This bill modernizes Washington state's adopt-a-highway program by updating its legal framework to improve accountability and ensure the program's sustainability within limited transportation funding resources. The bill clarifies that participation in the program is subject to available appropriations and requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing program participants, their locations, compliance with agreements, and whether they use volunteers or paid contractors. The legislation maintains the program's original goals of enabling individuals, groups, and businesses to help keep highways clean, enhance roadsides, and protect wildlife habitats, while adding more stringent oversight. Key modifications include standardizing application processes, maintaining existing eligibility restrictions (such as prohibiting politically affiliated organizations from participating), and ensuring safety protocols like parental consent for minor volunteers and appropriate safety equipment. The bill also adjusts signage regulations for adopt-a-highway markers and mandates that the DOT prioritize program funding in alignment with broader transportation system priorities. Notably, the legislative changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, providing ample time for the DOT to implement the new requirements.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Effective date 7/27/2025*. (on 05/16/2025)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5556&Year=2025&Initiative=false
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5556-S.SL.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/5556-S.PL.pdf
Final Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556-S%20SBR%20FBR%2025.pdf
Reeves 5556-S AMH REEV THOC 163 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Amendments/House/5556-S%20AMH%20REEV%20THOC%20163.pdf
Substitute Senate Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556-S%20SBR%20HA%2025.pdf
Substitute House Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/5556-S%20HBR%20APH%2025.pdf
Substitute House Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/5556-S%20HBR%20TR%2025.pdf
Substitute House Bill Analysis 2025 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/5556-S%20HBA%20TR%2025.pdf
Substitute Senate Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556-S%20SBR%20APS%2025.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5556-S.pdf
Senate Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556%20SBR%20TRAN%20OC%2025.pdf
Senate Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556%20SBR%20TRAN%20TA%2025.pdf
Senate Bill Report (Orig.) https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5556%20SBA%20TRAN%2025.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5556.pdf
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