Transportation Committee – Week 5, 2020

February 13, 2020 Senate Staff Blog, Transportation Committee, Votes 0

COMMITTEE ACTION:

SF 2122 – Classification of Secondary Roads

SF 2122 allows that an area service “C” classification for a road must apply to the entire portion of a road between the road’s access points. It prohibits county supervisors from classifying as level “C” only part of a road between the access points, or only a bridge on the road.
[2/12: short form]

SSB 3045 – Hands-free While Driving

SSB 3045 allows for an electronic communication device to only be used while driving in hands-free mode. Electronic communication device is defined as “any electronic device capable of being used to compose, read, or send an electronic message including but not limited to telephones, personal digital assistants, and portable or mobile computers.”

An electronic message is a self-contained piece of digital communication, whether written or verbal, designed to be communicated to another electronic communication device. This includes:

  • Telephone Calls
  • Video Calls
  • Electronic Mail
  • Text Messages
  • Instant messages
  • Commands or requests to access an Internet site

The bill clarifies that a person can only use the device during a complete stop and off the roadway.

Exemptions for the hands-free requirement include:

  • A member of a public safety agency
  • Health care professionals en route to an emergency
  • A person sending or receiving safety related information, such as emergency, weather or traffic alerts
  • A person using a two-way radio transmitter or receiver licensed with the FCC in amateur radio service

Failure to use hands-free mode will be considered a moving violation, punishable by a fine of $30. A violation can be considered for administrative suspension of a driver’s license or to establish habitual offender status.
[2/12: short form]

SSB 3107 – Timber Buyer Regulation

SSB 3107 relates to the responsibilities of timber buyers and transporters in an effort to thwart timber theft. It requires a person engaged in transporting timber to possess a completed form approved by the Department of Natural Resources, showing written proof of ownership or consent of the owner to take the timber. Failure to provide a completed form is a serious misdemeanor, but the violation may be removed if a form is be completed and presented to the DNR before the date of enforcement of the fine.
[2/12: short form]