This session in Olympia is seeing a wide variety of bills related to transportation. One such bill is HB 1071, creating a Complete Streets grant program to encourage and fund local governments in retrofitting local street systems to provide safe access to all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and public transportation users.

Another is HB 1700 that updates the guidelines when designing bicycle and pedestrian ways from state standards to national standards, which are more flexible and comprehensive. The department of transportation will also have to consult local governments in the design phase and will consider the needs of all users of the transportation system.

The state is also looking for ways to generate revenue for transportation programs. The state senate recently passed a tax on electric vehicles. A $100 registration fee would be applied to all electrical vehicle owners on an annual basis.  This is an alternative way to receive revenue from road and highway users who would not be paying the gas tax that transportation funding is dependent upon.

Another fee for transportation includes a proposed increase in licensing fees. Driver’s license renewal could rise 60 percent to $40, and getting first time license plates may cost $20 rather than only paying for replacement plates every seven years. The proposed fees are currently under heavy debate.

To save money on the Department of Transportation (DOT), the senate recently passed a bill to outsource driver’s exams to private contractors and public school districts. DOT costs and wait times at offices are expected to drop if the bill goes through.  The DOL would still issue licenses and authorize random re-tests to hold contractors to department standards.