Young driver safety

AN ACT Relating to improving young driver safety; amending RCW 1
46.20.100, 46.20.181, 46.82.280, 46.20.120, 46.20.055, 46.68.041, 2
46.17.025, 46.68.220, and 46.63.200; reenacting and amending RCW 3
28A.220.020, 43.84.092, and 43.84.092; adding new sections to chapter 4
46.20 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 46.82 RCW; adding a new 5
section to chapter 42.56 RCW; providing effective dates; and 6
providing an expiration date. 7
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:8
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 46.20 9
RCW to read as follows: 10
(1)(a) To obtain an initial driver's license under this section, 11
the following persons must, in addition to other skills and 12
examination requirements as prescribed by the department, 13
satisfactorily complete a driver training education course as defined 14
in RCW 28A.220.020, a driver training education course as defined by 15
the department and offered by a driver training school licensed under 16
chapter 46.82 RCW, or an online, self-paced driver training education 17
course as defined by the department: 18
(i) A person at least 18 years of age but under 19 years of age, 19
beginning January 1, 2027; 20
S-1079.1
SENATE BILL 5695
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Senators Liias, King, and Nobles
Read first time 02/06/25. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
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(ii) A person at least 18 years of age but under 20 years of age, 1
beginning January 1, 2028; 2
(iii) A person at least 18 years of age but under 21 years of 3
age, beginning January 1, 2029; 4
(iv) A person at least 18 years of age but under 22 years of age, 5
beginning January 1, 2030; 6
(v) A person at least 18 years of age but under 23 years of age, 7
beginning January 1, 2031; 8
(vi) A person at least 18 years of age but under 24 years of age, 9
beginning January 1, 2032; and 10
(vii) A person at least 18 years of age but under 25 years of 11
age, beginning January 1, 2033. 12
(b) The course offered by a school district or an approved 13
private school must be part of a traffic safety education program 14
authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction 15
and certified under chapter 28A.220 RCW. The course offered by a 16
driver training school must meet the standards established by the 17
department under chapter 46.82 RCW. A school district, approved 18
private school, or driver training school may offer the behind-the-19
wheel instruction portion for up to four hours in a single day, and 20
is encouraged to do so in cases where students must travel long 21
distances to take the course. 22
(c) An online, self-paced driver training education course must 23
meet the standards established by the department under chapter 46.82 24
RCW. Any person 18 through 21 years of age who satisfactorily 25
completes an online, self-paced driver training education course as 26
defined by the department must also complete at least six hours of 27
behind-the-wheel instruction as defined in chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 28
RCW. Any person 22 through 24 years of age who satisfactorily 29
completes an online, self-paced driver training education course as 30
defined by the department must also complete at least three hours of 31
behind-the-wheel instruction as defined in chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 32
RCW. 33
(2)(a) As an alternative to subsection (1) of this section, to 34
obtain a driver's license under this section, the following persons 35
must, in addition to other skills and examination requirements as 36
prescribed by the department, satisfactorily complete a condensed 37
traffic safety education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020 for a 38
course offered by a school district or approved private school or a 39
condensed traffic safety education course as defined by the 40
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department and offered by a driver training school licensed under 1
chapter 46.82 RCW: 2
(i) A person at least 22 years of age but under 23 years of age, 3
beginning January 1, 2031; 4
(ii) A person at least 22 years of age but under 24 years of age, 5
beginning January 1, 2032; and 6
(iii) A person at least 22 years of age but under 25 years of 7
age, beginning January 1, 2033. 8
(b) The course offered by a school district or an approved 9
private school must be part of a traffic safety education program 10
authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction 11
and certified under chapter 28A.220 RCW. The course offered by a 12
driver training school must meet the standards established by the 13
department under chapter 46.82 RCW. 14
(3) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a 15
motorcycle endorsement under this section, the applicant must 16
successfully complete a motorcycle safety education course that meets 17
the standards established by the department. 18
(4)(a) The department may waive the driver training education 19
course requirement for a driver's license under subsection (1) or (2) 20
of this section if the applicant demonstrates to the department's 21
satisfaction that: 22
(i) The applicant was unable to take or complete a driver 23
training education course; 24
(ii) A need exists for the applicant to operate a motor vehicle; 25
and 26
(iii) The applicant has the ability to operate a motor vehicle in 27
such a manner as not to jeopardize the safety of persons or property.28
(b) The department may adopt rules to implement this subsection 29
(4) in coordination with the supervisor of the traffic safety 30
education section of the office of the superintendent of public 31
instruction. 32
(5) The department may waive the driver training education course 33
requirement if the applicant was licensed to drive a motor vehicle or 34
motorcycle from a reciprocal jurisdiction outside this state or 35
provides proof that they have had education, from a reciprocal 36
jurisdiction, equivalent to that required under this section.37
(6) Beginning by January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until 38
January 1, 2031, the department must report on the implementation of 39
the driver's education requirement under this section, including the 40
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readiness of the driver education school system to accommodate 1
additional growth, to the transportation committees of the 2
legislature. No earlier than January 1, 2031, the department may, by 3
rule, pause or delay the requirements under subsection (1) of this 4
section if, upon an internal review, the department finds that there 5
is an insufficient number of driver education and traffic safety 6
education courses or instructors available for the pending age cohort 7
under subsection (1) of this section. 8
Sec. 2. RCW 46.20.100 and 2024 c 162 s 2 are each amended to 9
read as follows: 10
(1) Application. The application of a person under the age of 18 11
years for a driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement must be 12
signed by a parent, guardian, employer, or responsible adult as 13
defined in RCW 46.20.075. 14
(2) Traffic safety education requirement . For a person under the 15
age of 18 years to obtain a driver's license, ((he or she )) the 16
person must meet the traffic safety education requirements of this 17
subsection. 18
(a) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a 19
driver's license, the applicant must satisfactorily complete a driver 20
training education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020 for a course 21
offered by a school district or approved private school, ((or)) a 22
driver training education course as defined by the department of 23
licensing for a course offered by a driver training school licensed 24
under chapter 46.82 RCW, or, beginning January 1, 2027, an online, 25
self-paced driver training education course as defined by the 26
department. The course offered by a school district or an approved 27
private school must be part of a traffic safety education program 28
authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction 29
and certified under chapter 28A.220 RCW. The course offered by a 30
driver training school and the online, self-paced driver training 31
education course must meet the standards established by the 32
department of licensing under chapter 46.82 RCW. A school district, 33
approved private school, or driver training school may offer the 34
behind-the-wheel instruction portion for up to four hours in a single 35
day, and is encouraged to do so in cases where students must travel 36
long distances to take the course. The driver training education 37
course may be provided by: 38
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(i) A secondary school within a school district or approved 1
private school that establishes and maintains an approved and 2
certified traffic safety education program under chapter 28A.220 RCW; 3
or 4
(ii) A driver training school licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW 5
that is annually approved by the department of licensing.6
(b) A person who satisfactorily completes an online, self-paced 7
driver training education course under (a) of this subsection must 8
complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction as 9
defined in chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW.10
(c) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a 11
motorcycle endorsement, the applicant must successfully complete a 12
motorcycle safety education course that meets the standards 13
established by the department of licensing. 14
(((c))) (d) The department may waive the driver training 15
education course requirement for a driver's license if the applicant 16
demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that:17
(i) ((He or she )) The applicant was unable to take or complete a 18
driver training education course; 19
(ii) A need exists for the applicant to operate a motor vehicle; 20
and 21
(iii) ((He or she )) The applicant has the ability to operate a 22
motor vehicle in such a manner as not to jeopardize the safety of 23
persons or property. The department may adopt rules to implement this 24
subsection (2)(((c))) (d) in ((concert)) collaboration with the 25
supervisor of the traffic safety education section of the office of 26
the superintendent of public instruction. 27
(((d))) (e) The department may waive the driver training 28
education course requirement if the applicant was licensed to drive a 29
motor vehicle or motorcycle from a reciprocal jurisdiction outside 30
this state ((and)) or provides proof that he or she has had education 31
equivalent, from a reciprocal jurisdiction, to that required under 32
this subsection. 33
Sec. 3. RCW 46.20.181 and 2021 c 158 s 8 are each amended to 34
read as follows: 35
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) or (5) of this section, 36
every driver's license expires on the eighth anniversary of the 37
licensee's birthdate following the issuance of the license.38
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(2) A person may renew a license on or before the expiration date 1
by submitting an application as prescribed by the department and 2
paying a fee of ((seventy-two dollars )) $72. This fee includes the 3
fee for the required photograph. 4
(3) A person renewing a driver's license more than ((sixty)) 60 5
days after the license has expired shall pay a penalty fee of ((ten 6
dollars)) $10 in addition to the renewal fee, unless the license 7
expired when: 8
(a) The person was outside the state and the licensee renews the 9
license within ((sixty)) 60 days after returning to this state; or10
(b) The person was incapacitated and the licensee renews the 11
license within ((sixty)) 60 days after the termination of the 12
incapacity. 13
(4) The department may issue or renew a driver's license for a 14
period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic 15
commerce a license that has already been issued. The fee for a 16
driver's license issued or renewed for a period other than eight 17
years, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is 18
nine dollars for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or 19
extended. The department must offer the option to issue or renew a 20
driver's license for six years in addition to the eight year 21
issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to 22
carry out this subsection. 23
(5) A driver's license that includes a hazardous materials 24
endorsement under chapter 46.25 RCW may expire on an anniversary of 25
the licensee's birthdate other than the eighth year following 26
issuance or renewal of the license in order to match, as nearly as 27
possible, the validity of certification from the federal 28
transportation security administration that the licensee has been 29
determined not to pose a security risk. The fee for a driver's 30
license issued or renewed for a period other than eight years is 31
((nine dollars )) $9 for each year that the license is issued or 32
renewed, not including any endorsement fees. The department may 33
adjust the expiration date of a driver's license that has previously 34
been issued to conform to the provisions of this subsection if a 35
hazardous materials endorsement is added to the license subsequent to 36
its issuance. If the validity of the driver's license is extended, 37
the licensee must pay a fee of ((nine dollars)) $9 for each year that 38
the license is extended. 39
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(6) The department may require any person who has obtained a 1
driver's license pursuant to section 1 of this act to complete a 2
driver education refresher course, as determined by the department in 3
rule, at the time of the person's first driver's license renewal 4
pursuant to this section. For purposes of this subsection, "refresher 5
course" includes, but is not limited to, a focus on driver risk 6
management and hazard perception.7
(7) The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry 8
out this section. 9
Sec. 4. RCW 46.82.280 and 2023 c 445 s 3 are each amended to 10
read as follows: 11
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter 12
unless the context clearly requires otherwise. 13
(1) "Behind-the-wheel instruction" means instruction in an 14
approved driver training school instruction vehicle according to and 15
inclusive of the required curriculum. Behind-the-wheel instruction is 16
characterized by driving experience. 17
(2) "Classroom" means a space dedicated to and used exclusively 18
by a driver training instructor for the instruction of students. With 19
prior department approval, a branch office classroom may be located 20
within alternative facilities, such as a public or private library, 21
school, community college, college or university, or a business 22
training facility. 23
(3) "Classroom instruction" means that portion of a traffic 24
safety education course that is characterized by in-person 25
classroom-based student instruction or virtual classroom-based 26
student instruction with a live instructor using the required 27
curriculum conducted by or under the direct supervision of a licensed 28
instructor or licensed instructors. Classroom instruction may include 29
self-paced, online components as authorized and certified by the 30
department of licensing. 31
(4) "Condensed traffic safety education course" means a course of 32
instruction in traffic safety education, intended for novice drivers 33
between 22 and 25 years of age, approved and licensed by the 34
department that consists of at least eight hours of classroom 35
instruction and three hours of behind-the-wheel instruction that 36
follows the approved curriculum as determined in rule.37
(5) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing 38
of the state of Washington. 39
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(((5))) (6) "Driver training education course" means a course of 1
instruction in traffic safety education approved and licensed by the 2
department of licensing that consists of classroom and behind-the-3
wheel instruction that follows the approved curriculum.4
(((6))) (7) "Driver training school" means a commercial driver 5
training school engaged in the business of giving instruction, for a 6
fee, in the operation of automobiles. 7
(((7))) (8) "Enrollment" means the collecting of a fee or the 8
signing of a contract for a driver training education course. 9
"Enrollment" does not include the collecting of names and contact 10
information for enrolling students once a driver training school is 11
licensed to instruct. 12
(((8))) (9) "Fraudulent practices" means any conduct or 13
representation on the part of a driver training school owner or 14
instructor including: 15
(a) Inducing anyone to believe, or to give the impression, that a 16
license to operate a motor vehicle or any other license granted by 17
the director may be obtained by any means other than those prescribed 18
by law, or furnishing or obtaining the same by illegal or improper 19
means, or requesting, accepting, or collecting money for such 20
purposes; 21
(b) Operating a driver training school without a license, 22
providing instruction without an instructor's license, verifying 23
enrollment prior to being licensed, misleading or false statements on 24
applications for a commercial driver training school license or 25
instructor's license or on any required records or supporting 26
documentation; 27
(c) Failing to fully document and maintain all required driver 28
training school records of instruction, school operation, and 29
instructor training; 30
(d) Issuing a driver training course certificate without 31
requiring completion of the necessary behind-the-wheel and classroom 32
instruction. 33
(((9))) (10) "Instructor" means any person employed by or 34
otherwise associated with a driver training school to instruct 35
persons in the operation of an automobile. 36
(((10))) (11) "Owner" means an individual, partnership, 37
corporation, association, or other person or group that holds a 38
substantial interest in a driver training school. 39
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(((11))) (12) "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, 1
partnership, or association. 2
(((12))) (13) "Place of business" means a designated location at 3
which the business of a driver training school is transacted or its 4
records are kept. 5
(((13))) (14) "Student" means any person enrolled in an approved 6
driver training course. 7
(((14))) (15) "Substantial interest holder" means a person who 8
has actual or potential influence over the management or operation of 9
any driver training school. Evidence of substantial interest 10
includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:11
(a) Directly or indirectly owning, operating, managing, or 12
controlling a driver training school or any part of a driver training 13
school; 14
(b) Directly or indirectly profiting from or assuming liability 15
for debts of a driver training school; 16
(c) Is an officer or director of a driver training school;17
(d) Owning 10 percent or more of any class of stock in a 18
privately or closely held corporate driver training school, or five 19
percent or more of any class of stock in a publicly traded corporate 20
driver training school; 21
(e) Furnishing 10 percent or more of the capital, whether in 22
cash, goods, or services, for the operation of a driver training 23
school during any calendar year; or 24
(f) Directly or indirectly receiving a salary, commission, 25
royalties, or other form of compensation from the activity in which a 26
driver training school is or seeks to be engaged. 27
Sec. 5. RCW 28A.220.020 and 2017 c 197 s 2 are each reenacted 28
and amended to read as follows: 29
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter 30
unless the context clearly requires otherwise. 31
(1) "Appropriate course delivery standards" means the classroom 32
and behind-the-wheel student learning experiences considered 33
acceptable to the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 34
28A.220.030 that must be satisfactorily accomplished by the student 35
in order to successfully complete the driver training education 36
course. 37
(2) "Approved private school" means a private school approved by 38
the board of education under chapter 28A.195 RCW. 39
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(3) "Condensed traffic safety education course" means a course of 1
instruction in traffic safety education, intended for novice drivers 2
between 22 and 25 years of age, authorized by the superintendent of 3
public instruction and licensed by the department of licensing that 4
consists of at least eight hours of classroom instruction and three 5
hours of behind-the-wheel instruction that follows the approved 6
curriculum as determined in rule.7
(4) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing.8
(((4))) (5) "Driver training education course" means a course of 9
instruction in traffic safety education (a) offered as part of a 10
traffic safety education program authorized by the superintendent of 11
public instruction and certified by the department of licensing and 12
(b) taught by a qualified teacher of driver training education that 13
consists of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction using 14
curriculum that meets joint superintendent of public instruction and 15
department of licensing standards and the course requirements 16
established by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 17
28A.220.030. Behind-the-wheel instruction is characterized by driving 18
experience. 19
(((5))) (6) "Qualified teacher of driver training education" 20
means an instructor who: 21
(a) Is certificated under chapter 28A.410 RCW and has obtained a 22
traffic safety endorsement or a letter of approval to teach traffic 23
safety education from the superintendent of public instruction or is 24
certificated by the superintendent of public instruction to teach a 25
driver training education course; or 26
(b) Is an instructor provided by a driver training school that 27
has contracted with a school district's or districts' board of 28
directors under RCW 28A.220.030(3) to teach driver education for the 29
school district. 30
(((6))) (7) "Superintendent" or "state superintendent" means the 31
superintendent of public instruction. 32
(((7))) (8) "Traffic safety education program" means the 33
administration and provision of driver training education courses 34
offered by secondary schools of a school district or vocational-35
technical schools that are conducted by such schools in a like manner 36
to their other regular courses. 37
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 46.82 38
RCW to read as follows: 39
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(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated in the 1
omnibus transportation appropriations act for this specific purpose, 2
the department must establish a program to expand education 3
opportunities for driver training school instructors, specifically 4
certification training programs. 5
(2) As part of the program, the department must:6
(a) Implement a comprehensive traffic safety education program to 7
train driver training school instructors; 8
(b) Establish mentorship programs and offer specialized grant 9
programs or financial incentives to encourage diversity within the 10
driver training school industry; 11
(c) Collaborate with the office of the superintendent of public 12
instruction to align instructor requirements under the department and 13
office of the superintendent of public instruction rules to 14
streamline the process of obtaining a driver training school 15
instructor certification; and 16
(d) Facilitate partnerships between private driver training 17
schools and high schools, vocational-technical schools, colleges, or 18
universities to enable private driver training school instructors to 19
teach driver training education courses in school facilities. Such 20
courses are not eligible for school credit. 21
(3) The department must submit an annual report to the 22
appropriate committees of the legislature every July 1st, beginning 23
July 1, 2026, detailing program activities. The report due July 1, 24
2030, must also provide a programmatic and funding needs assessment 25
and any recommendations to support the program. 26
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 46.82 27
RCW to read as follows: 28
(1) Beginning January 1, 2027, and subject to the availability of 29
funds appropriated in the omnibus transportation appropriations act 30
for this specific purpose, the department must establish a program to 31
provide vouchers to cover the average cost of driver training 32
education courses for novice drivers who reside in low-income 33
households, with the goal of assisting as many people as possible 34
with the greatest need, measured both by income and mobility needs 35
otherwise unserved, to access driver training education.36
(2) In consultation with the Washington traffic safety 37
commission, the department shall adopt rules establishing eligibility 38
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criteria and application and award procedures, and any other 1
necessary rules, for implementing this section. 2
(3) An applicant who has previously received financial support to 3
complete a driver training program under RCW 74.13.338(2)(b) or 4
49.04.290 is deemed ineligible for a voucher under this section.5
(4) A driver training school may not inflate driver training 6
education course costs or fees to offset any voucher amounts provided 7
by school applicants. The department may evaluate such course pricing 8
to determine if costs or fees have been inflated for this purpose.9
(5) By December 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with the 10
Washington traffic safety commission and the department of social and 11
health services, shall provide to the appropriate committees of the 12
legislature a policy framework and guidelines for the voucher 13
program, to include the following considerations: 14
(a) Targeted demographics, including individuals or families who 15
are cost burdened or eligible to receive funds under economic and 16
community services programs; 17
(b) Consideration of the need for a vehicle by geography, taking 18
into account mobility needs and other mobility options available in a 19
community; 20
(c) An approach to reach young adults over the age of 18, 21
especially for those enrolled in community or technical colleges; and22
(d) Recommended voucher funding levels for projected or 23
anticipated eligible individuals. 24
(6) Beginning January 1, 2028, the department shall annually 25
report to the transportation committees of the legislature the 26
following: 27
(a) The income criteria used to determine voucher awards for 28
driver training education courses; 29
(b) The number of applicants for driver training education 30
vouchers annually by county; 31
(c) The number of vouchers awarded annually by county;32
(d) The number of vouchers redeemed annually by county;33
(e) The dollar amount of vouchers redeemed annually by county;34
(f) The community average income of voucher recipients during the 35
reporting period; and 36
(g) The number of eligible applicants who did not receive or 37
could not use a voucher. 38
(7) This section does not create an entitlement to receive 39
voucher program funds. 40
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(8) For the purposes of this section, "novice driver" means a 1
person who has not previously obtained a license to drive a motor 2
vehicle. 3
NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 42.56 4
RCW to read as follows: 5
Any recipient income data collected by the department of 6
licensing as part of the driver training education course voucher 7
program established under section 7 of this act is exempt from 8
disclosure under this chapter. 9
NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 46.82 10
RCW to read as follows: 11
(1) Beginning July 1, 2026, and subject to the availability of 12
funds appropriated in the omnibus transportation appropriations act 13
for this specific purpose, the department must establish a program to 14
partner with tribal governments to provide young driver education and 15
training in tribal communities. 16
(2) By January 1, 2026, the department must provide to the 17
appropriate committees of the legislature an implementation plan for 18
the program. On a biennial basis beginning July 1, 2027, the 19
department must report to the appropriate committees of the 20
legislature on program activities. 21
Sec. 10. RCW 46.20.120 and 2021 c 158 s 6 are each amended to 22
read as follows: 23
An applicant for a new or renewed driver's license must 24
successfully pass a driver licensing examination to qualify for a 25
driver's license. The department must ensure that examinations are 26
given at places and times reasonably available to the people of this 27
state. If the department does not administer driver licensing 28
examinations as a routine part of its licensing services within a 29
department region because adequate testing sites are provided by 30
driver training schools or school districts within that region, the 31
department shall, at a minimum, administer driver licensing 32
examinations by appointment to applicants ((eighteen)) 18 years of 33
age and older in at least one licensing office within that region.34
(1) Waiver. The department may waive: 35
(a) All or any part of the examination of any person applying for 36
the renewal of a driver's license unless the department determines 37
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that the applicant is not qualified to hold a driver's license under 1
this title; or 2
(b) All or any part of the examination involving operating a 3
motor vehicle if the applicant: 4
(i) Surrenders a valid driver's license issued by the person's 5
previous home state; or 6
(ii) Provides for verification a valid driver's license issued by 7
a foreign driver licensing jurisdiction with which the department has 8
an informal agreement under RCW 46.20.125; and 9
(iii) Is otherwise qualified to be licensed. 10
(2) Fee. ((Each)) Prior to January 1, 2026, each applicant for a 11
new license must pay an examination fee of ((thirty-five dollars )) 12
$35. On or after January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license 13
must pay an examination fee of $50. 14
(a) The examination fee is in addition to the fee charged for 15
issuance of the license. 16
(b) "New license" means a license issued to a driver:17
(i) Who has not been previously licensed in this state; or18
(ii) Whose last previous Washington license has been expired for 19
more than eight years. 20
(3) An application for driver's license renewal may be submitted 21
by means of: 22
(a) Personal appearance before the department;23
(b) Mail or electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the 24
department and if the applicant did not renew the license by mail or 25
by electronic commerce when it last expired; or 26
(c) From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, electronic commerce, 27
if permitted by rule of the department. 28
(4) A person whose license expired or will expire while the 29
licensee is living outside the state, may: 30
(a) Apply to the department to extend the validity of the license 31
for no more than ((twelve)) 12 months. If the person establishes to 32
the department's satisfaction that the licensee is unable to return 33
to Washington before the date the license expires, the department 34
shall extend the person's license. The department may grant 35
consecutive extensions, but in no event may the cumulative total of 36
extensions exceed ((twelve)) 12 months. An extension granted under 37
this section does not change the expiration date of the license for 38
purposes of RCW 46.20.181. The department shall charge a fee of 39
((five dollars)) $5 for each license extension; 40
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(b) Apply to the department to renew the license by mail or, if 1
permitted by rule of the department, by electronic commerce even if 2
subsection (3)(b) of this section would not otherwise allow renewal 3
by that means. If the person establishes to the department's 4
satisfaction that the licensee is unable to return to Washington 5
within ((twelve)) 12 months of the date that the license expires, the 6
department shall renew the person's license by mail or, if permitted 7
by rule of the department, by electronic commerce. 8
(5)(a) If a qualified person submits an application for renewal 9
under subsection (3)(b) or (c) or (4)(b) of this section, the 10
applicant is not required to pass an examination and only needs to 11
provide an updated photograph: 12
(i) At least every 16 years, except that persons under 30 must 13
provide an updated photograph every eight years; and14
(ii) Beginning January 1, 2023, persons renewing through 15
electronic commerce must provide an updated photograph in a form and 16
manner approved by the department with each renewal unless they are 17
unable to provide a photograph that meets the department's 18
requirements and the most recent photograph on file with the 19
department is not more than 10 years old at the time of renewal.20
(b) A license renewed by mail or by electronic commerce that does 21
not include a photograph of the licensee must be labeled "not valid 22
for identification purposes." 23
(6) Driver training schools licensed by the department under 24
chapter 46.82 RCW may administer the portions of the driver licensing 25
examination that test the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and 26
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 27
(7) School districts that offer a traffic safety education 28
program under chapter 28A.220 RCW may administer the portions of the 29
driver licensing examination that test the applicant's knowledge of 30
traffic laws and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.31
Sec. 11. RCW 46.20.055 and 2021 c 158 s 3 are each amended to 32
read as follows: 33
(1) Driver's instruction permit . The department may issue a 34
driver's instruction permit online or in person with or without a 35
photograph to an applicant who has successfully passed all parts of 36
the examination other than the driving test, provided the information 37
required by RCW 46.20.091, paid an application fee of ((twenty-five 38
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dollars)) $25 prior to January 1, 2026, and $35 on or after January 1
1, 2026, and meets the following requirements: 2
(a) Is at least ((fifteen and one-half)) 15.5 years of age; or3
(b) Is at least ((fifteen)) 15 years of age and:4
(i) Has submitted a proper application; and 5
(ii) Is enrolled in a driver training education course offered as 6
part of a traffic safety education program authorized by the office 7
of the superintendent of public instruction and certified under 8
chapter 28A.220 RCW or offered by a driver training school licensed 9
and inspected by the department of licensing under chapter 46.82 RCW, 10
that includes practice driving. 11
(2) Waiver of written examination for instruction permit . The 12
department may waive the written examination, if, at the time of 13
application, an applicant is enrolled in a driver training education 14
course or condensed traffic safety education course as defined in RCW 15
46.82.280 or 28A.220.020. 16
The department may require proof of registration in such a course 17
as it deems necessary. 18
(3) Effect of instruction permit . A person holding a driver's 19
instruction permit may drive a motor vehicle, other than a 20
motorcycle, upon the public highways if: 21
(a) The person has immediate possession of the permit;22
(b) The person is not using a wireless communications device, 23
unless the person is using the device to report illegal activity, 24
summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person 25
or property; and 26
(c) A driver training education course instructor who meets the 27
qualifications of chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW, or a licensed driver 28
with at least five years of driving experience, occupies the seat 29
beside the driver. 30
(4) Term of instruction permit . A driver's instruction permit is 31
valid for one year from the date of issue. 32
(a) The department may issue one additional one-year permit.33
(b) The department may issue a third driver's instruction permit 34
if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently 35
seeking to improve driving proficiency. 36
(c) A person applying for an additional instruction permit must 37
submit the application to the department and pay an application fee 38
of ((twenty-five dollars)) $25 for each issuance. 39
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Sec. 12. RCW 46.68.041 and 2022 c 182 s 210 are each amended to 1
read as follows: 2
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) ((and (3))) through (4) 3
of this section, the department must forward all funds accruing under 4
the provisions of chapter 46.20 RCW together with a proper 5
identifying, detailed report to the state treasurer who must deposit 6
such moneys to the credit of the highway safety fund.7
(2) Fifty-six percent of each fee collected by the department 8
under RCW 46.20.311 (1)(e)(ii), (2)(b)(ii), and (3)(b) must be 9
deposited in the impaired driving safety account. 10
(3) Fifty percent of the revenue from the fees imposed under RCW 11
46.20.200(2) must be deposited in the move ahead WA flexible account 12
created in RCW 46.68.520. 13
(4)(a) Beginning January 1, 2026, $15 of the driver's examination 14
fee imposed under RCW 46.20.120(2) must be deposited into the driver 15
education safety improvement account created in section 16 of this 16
act.17
(b) Beginning January 1, 2026, $10 of the driver's instruction 18
permit application fee imposed under RCW 46.20.055(1) must be 19
deposited into the driver education safety improvement account 20
created in section 16 of this act.21
Sec. 13. RCW 46.17.025 and 2023 c 431 s 3 are each amended to 22
read as follows: 23
(1) A person who applies for a vehicle registration or for any 24
other right to operate a vehicle on the highways of this state shall 25
pay a ((50)) 75 cent license service fee in addition to any other 26
fees and taxes required by law. ((The)) Except as provided in 27
subsection (3) of this section, the license service fee must be 28
distributed under RCW 46.68.220. 29
(2) A vehicle registered under RCW 46.16A.455 or 46.17.330 is not 30
subject to the license service fee, except for a vehicle subject to 31
the fee under RCW 46.17.355. 32
(3) ((The)) (a) Two-thirds of the revenue generated from 33
subsection (2) of this section must be deposited in the move ahead WA 34
account created in RCW 46.68.510. 35
(b) One-third of the revenue generated from subsections (1) and 36
(2) of this section must be deposited into the driver education 37
safety improvement account created in section 16 of this act.38
p. 17 SB 5695
Sec. 14. RCW 46.68.220 and 2011 c 367 s 719 are each amended to 1
read as follows: 2
The department of licensing services account is created in the 3
motor vehicle fund. ((All)) Except as provided in RCW 46.17.025, all 4
receipts from service fees received under RCW 46.17.025 must be 5
deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only 6
after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only 7
for: 8
(1) Information and service delivery systems for the department;9
(2) Reimbursement of county licensing activities; and10
(3) County auditor or other agent and subagent support including, 11
but not limited to, the replacement of department-owned equipment in 12
the possession of county auditors or other agents and subagents 13
appointed by the director. ((During the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, 14
the legislature may transfer from the department of licensing 15
services account such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of 16
the account.))17
Sec. 15. RCW 46.63.200 and 2024 c 308 s 4 are each amended to 18
read as follows: 19
(1) This section applies to the use of speed safety camera 20
systems in state highway work zones. 21
(2) Nothing in this section prohibits a law enforcement officer 22
from issuing a notice of infraction to a person in control of a 23
vehicle at the time a violation occurs under RCW 46.63.030(1) (a), 24
(b), or (c). 25
(3)(a) The department of transportation is responsible for all 26
actions related to the operation and administration of speed safety 27
camera systems in state highway work zones including, but not limited 28
to, the procurement and administration of contracts necessary for the 29
implementation of speed safety camera systems, the mailing of notices 30
of infraction, and the development and maintenance of a public-facing 31
website for the purpose of educating the traveling public about the 32
use of speed safety camera systems in state highway work zones. Prior 33
to the use of a speed safety camera system to capture a violation 34
established in this section for enforcement purposes, the department 35
of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, 36
department of licensing, office of administrative hearings, 37
Washington traffic safety commission, and other organizations 38
p. 18 SB 5695
committed to protecting civil rights, must adopt rules addressing 1
such actions and take all necessary steps to implement this section.2
(b) The Washington state patrol is responsible for all actions 3
related to the enforcement and adjudication of speed violations under 4
this section including, but not limited to, notice of infraction 5
verification and issuance authorization, and determining which types 6
of emergency vehicles are exempt from being issued notices of 7
infraction under this section. Prior to the use of a speed safety 8
camera system to capture a violation established in this section for 9
enforcement purposes, the Washington state patrol, in consultation 10
with the department of transportation, department of licensing, 11
office of administrative hearings, Washington traffic safety 12
commission, and other organizations committed to protecting civil 13
rights, must adopt rules addressing such actions and take all 14
necessary steps to implement this section. 15
(c) When establishing rules under this subsection (3), the 16
department of transportation and the Washington state patrol may also 17
consult with other public and private agencies that have an interest 18
in the use of speed safety camera systems in state highway work 19
zones. 20
(4)(a) No person may drive a vehicle in a state highway work zone 21
at a speed greater than that allowed by traffic control devices.22
(b) A notice of infraction may only be issued under this section 23
if a speed safety camera system captures a speed violation in a state 24
highway work zone when workers are present. 25
(5) The penalty for a speed safety camera system violation is: 26
(a) $0 for the first violation; and (b) $248 for the second 27
violation, and for each violation thereafter. 28
(6) During the 30-day period after the first speed safety camera 29
system is put in place, the department is required to conduct a 30
public awareness campaign to inform the public of the use of speed 31
safety camera systems in state highway work zones.32
(7)(a) A notice of infraction issued under this section may be 33
mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days of the 34
violation, or to the renter of a vehicle within 30 days of 35
establishing the renter's name and address. The law enforcement 36
officer issuing the notice of infraction shall include with it a 37
certificate or facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of 38
photographs, microphotographs, or electronic images produced by a 39
speed safety camera stating the facts supporting the notice of 40
p. 19 SB 5695
infraction. This certificate or facsimile is prima facie evidence of 1
the facts contained in it and is admissible in a proceeding charging 2
a violation under this section. The photographs, microphotographs, or 3
electronic images evidencing the violation must be available for 4
inspection and admission into evidence in a proceeding to adjudicate 5
the liability for the violation. 6
(b) A notice of infraction represents a determination that an 7
infraction has been committed, and the determination will be final 8
unless contested as provided under this section. 9
(c) A person receiving a notice of infraction based on evidence 10
detected by a speed safety camera system must, within 30 days of 11
receiving the notice of infraction: (i) Except for a first violation 12
under subsection (5)(a) of this section, remit payment in the amount 13
of the penalty assessed for the violation; (ii) contest the 14
determination that the infraction occurred by following the 15
instructions on the notice of infraction; or (iii) admit to the 16
infraction but request a hearing to explain mitigating circumstances 17
surrounding the infraction. 18
(d) If a person fails to respond to a notice of infraction, a 19
final order shall be entered finding that the person committed the 20
infraction and assessing monetary penalties required under subsection 21
(5)(b) of this section. 22
(e) If a person contests the determination that the infraction 23
occurred or requests a mitigation hearing, the notice of infraction 24
shall be referred to the office of administrative hearings for 25
adjudication consistent with chapter 34.05 RCW. 26
(f) At a hearing to contest an infraction, the agency issuing the 27
infraction has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the 28
evidence, that the infraction was committed. 29
(g) A person may request a payment plan at any time for the 30
payment of any penalty or other monetary obligation associated with 31
an infraction under this section. The agency issuing the infraction 32
shall provide information about how to submit evidence of inability 33
to pay, how to obtain a payment plan, and that failure to pay or 34
enter into a payment plan may result in collection action or 35
nonrenewal of the vehicle registration. The office of administrative 36
hearings may authorize a payment plan if it determines that a person 37
is not able to pay the monetary obligation, and it may modify a 38
payment plan at any time. 39
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(8)(a) Speed safety camera systems may only take photographs, 1
microphotographs, or electronic images of the vehicle and vehicle 2
license plate and only while a speed violation is occurring. The 3
photograph, microphotograph, or electronic image must not reveal the 4
face of the driver or any passengers in the vehicle. The department 5
of transportation shall consider installing speed safety camera 6
systems in a manner that minimizes the impact of camera flash on 7
drivers. 8
(b) The registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for a 9
traffic infraction under RCW 46.63.030 unless the registered owner 10
overcomes the presumption in RCW 46.63.075 or, in the case of a 11
rental car business, satisfies the conditions under (f) of this 12
subsection. If appropriate under the circumstances, a renter 13
identified under (f)(i) of this subsection is responsible for the 14
traffic infraction. 15
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs, 16
microphotographs, or electronic images, or any other personally 17
identifying data prepared under this section are for the exclusive 18
use of the Washington state patrol and department of transportation 19
in the discharge of duties under this section and are not open to the 20
public and may not be used in court in a pending action or proceeding 21
unless the action or proceeding relates to a speed violation under 22
this section. This data may be used in administrative appeal 23
proceedings relative to a violation under this section.24
(d) All locations where speed safety camera systems are used must 25
be clearly marked before activation of the camera system by placing 26
signs in locations that clearly indicate to a driver that they are 27
entering a state highway work zone where posted speed limits are 28
monitored by a speed safety camera system. Additionally, where 29
feasible and constructive, radar speed feedback signs will be placed 30
in advance of the speed safety camera system to assist drivers in 31
complying with posted speed limits. Signs placed in these locations 32
must follow the specifications and guidelines under the manual of 33
uniform traffic control devices for streets and highways as adopted 34
by the department of transportation under chapter 47.36 RCW.35
(e) Imposition of a penalty for a speed violation detected 36
through the use of speed safety camera systems shall not be deemed a 37
conviction as defined in RCW 46.25.010, and shall not be part of the 38
registered owner's driving record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120. 39
Additionally, infractions generated by the use of speed safety camera 40
p. 21 SB 5695
systems under this section shall be processed in the same manner as 1
parking infractions, including for the purposes of RCW 46.16A.120 and 2
46.20.270(2). 3
(f) If the registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car 4
business, the department of transportation shall, before a notice of 5
infraction may be issued under this section, provide a written notice 6
to the rental car business that a notice of infraction may be issued 7
to the rental car business if the rental car business does not, 8
within 30 days of receiving the written notice, provide to the 9
issuing agency by return mail: 10
(i)(A) A statement under oath stating the name and known mailing 11
address of the individual driving or renting the vehicle when the 12
speed violation occurred; 13
(B) A statement under oath that the business is unable to 14
determine who was driving or renting the vehicle at the time the 15
speed violation occurred because the vehicle was stolen at the time 16
of the violation. A statement provided under this subsection 17
(8)(f)(i)(B) must be accompanied by a copy of a filed police report 18
regarding the vehicle theft; or 19
(C) In lieu of identifying the vehicle operator, payment of the 20
applicable penalty. 21
(ii) Timely mailing of a statement to the department of 22
transportation relieves a rental car business of any liability under 23
this chapter for the notice of infraction. 24
(9) Revenue generated from the deployment of speed safety camera 25
systems must be deposited into the highway safety fund and first used 26
exclusively for the operating and administrative costs under this 27
section. The operation of speed safety camera systems is intended to 28
increase safety in state highway work zones by changing driver 29
behavior. ((Consequently, any )) Any revenue generated that exceeds 30
the operating and administrative costs under this section must be 31
((distributed for the purpose of traffic safety including, but not 32
limited to, driver training education and local DUI emphasis 33
patrols)) transferred to the driver education safety improvement 34
account created in section 16 of this act as designated in the 35
omnibus transportation appropriations act. 36
(10) The Washington state patrol and department of 37
transportation, in collaboration with the Washington traffic safety 38
commission, must report to the transportation committees of the 39
legislature by July 1, 2025, and biennially thereafter, on the data 40
p. 22 SB 5695
and efficacy of speed safety camera system use in state highway work 1
zones. The final report due on July 1, 2029, must include a 2
recommendation on whether or not to continue such speed safety camera 3
system use beyond June 30, 2030. 4
(11) For the purposes of this section: 5
(a) "Speed safety camera system" means employing the use of speed 6
measuring devices and cameras synchronized to automatically record 7
one or more sequenced photographs, microphotographs, or other 8
electronic images of a motor vehicle that exceeds a posted state 9
highway work zone speed limit as detected by the speed measuring 10
devices. 11
(b) "State highway work zone" means an area of any highway with 12
construction, maintenance, utility work, or incident response 13
activities authorized by the department of transportation. A state 14
highway work zone is identified by the placement of temporary traffic 15
control devices that may include signs, channelizing devices, 16
barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles with warning 17
lights. It extends from the first warning sign or high intensity 18
rotating, flashing, oscillating, or strobe lights on a vehicle to the 19
end road work sign or the last temporary traffic control device or 20
vehicle. 21
(12) This section expires June 30, 2030. 22
NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter 46.20 23
RCW to read as follows: 24
The driver education safety improvement account is created in the 25
state treasury. The portion of the driver's examination fee 26
prescribed under RCW 46.68.041(4)(a), the portion of the driver's 27
instruction permit application fee prescribed under RCW 28
46.68.041(4)(b), and the portion of the license service fee 29
prescribed under RCW 46.17.025 must be deposited in the account. The 30
account may also receive a portion of the revenue from traffic 31
infraction fines as described under RCW 46.63.200(9) and the portion 32
of the LeMay-America's car museum special license plate fee revenue 33
as designated in chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Senate Bill No. 5444) 34
or chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 1368). Moneys in the 35
account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the 36
account may only be used for expanding and improving driver's 37
education programs and activities including, but not limited to, the 38
driver training school instructor education opportunities program 39
p. 23 SB 5695
established in section 6 of this act, the driver training education 1
course voucher program established in section 7 of this act, and the 2
tribal partnership program established in section 9 of this act.3
Sec. 17. RCW 43.84.092 and 2024 c 210 s 4 and 2024 c 168 s 12 4
are each reenacted and amended to read as follows: 5
(1) All earnings of investments of surplus balances in the state 6
treasury shall be deposited to the treasury income account, which 7
account is hereby established in the state treasury.8
(2) The treasury income account shall be utilized to pay or 9
receive funds associated with federal programs as required by the 10
federal cash management improvement act of 1990. The treasury income 11
account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no 12
appropriation is required for refunds or allocations of interest 13
earnings required by the cash management improvement act. Refunds of 14
interest to the federal treasury required under the cash management 15
improvement act fall under RCW 43.88.180 and shall not require 16
appropriation. The office of financial management shall determine the 17
amounts due to or from the federal government pursuant to the cash 18
management improvement act. The office of financial management may 19
direct transfers of funds between accounts as deemed necessary to 20
implement the provisions of the cash management improvement act, and 21
this subsection. Refunds or allocations shall occur prior to the 22
distributions of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this 23
section. 24
(3) Except for the provisions of RCW 43.84.160, the treasury 25
income account may be utilized for the payment of purchased banking 26
services on behalf of treasury funds including, but not limited to, 27
depository, safekeeping, and disbursement functions for the state 28
treasury and affected state agencies. The treasury income account is 29
subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is 30
required for payments to financial institutions. Payments shall occur 31
prior to distribution of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this 32
section. 33
(4) Monthly, the state treasurer shall distribute the earnings 34
credited to the treasury income account. The state treasurer shall 35
credit the general fund with all the earnings credited to the 36
treasury income account except: 37
(a) The following accounts and funds shall receive their 38
proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's and fund's 39
p. 24 SB 5695
average daily balance for the period: The abandoned recreational 1
vehicle disposal account, the aeronautics account, the Alaskan Way 2
viaduct replacement project account, the ambulance transport fund, 3
the budget stabilization account, the capital vessel replacement 4
account, the capitol building construction account, the Central 5
Washington University capital projects account, the charitable, 6
educational, penal and reformatory institutions account, the Chehalis 7
basin account, the Chehalis basin taxable account, the clean fuels 8
credit account, the clean fuels transportation investment account, 9
the cleanup settlement account, the climate active transportation 10
account, the climate transit programs account, the Columbia river 11
basin water supply development account, the Columbia river basin 12
taxable bond water supply development account, the Columbia river 13
basin water supply revenue recovery account, the common school 14
construction fund, the community forest trust account, the connecting 15
Washington account, the county arterial preservation account, the 16
county criminal justice assistance account, the covenant 17
homeownership account, the deferred compensation administrative 18
account, the deferred compensation principal account, the department 19
of licensing services account, the department of retirement systems 20
expense account, the developmental disabilities community services 21
account, the diesel idle reduction account, the opioid abatement 22
settlement account, the drinking water assistance account, the 23
administrative subaccount of the drinking water assistance account, 24
the driver education safety improvement account, the early learning 25
facilities development account, the early learning facilities 26
revolving account, the Eastern Washington University capital projects 27
account, the education construction fund, the education legacy trust 28
account, the election account, the electric vehicle account, the 29
energy freedom account, the energy recovery act account, the 30
essential rail assistance account, The Evergreen State College 31
capital projects account, the fair start for kids account, the family 32
medicine workforce development account, the ferry bond retirement 33
fund, the fish, wildlife, and conservation account, the freight 34
mobility investment account, the freight mobility multimodal account, 35
the grade crossing protective fund, the higher education retirement 36
plan supplemental benefit fund, the Washington student loan account, 37
the highway bond retirement fund, the highway infrastructure account, 38
the highway safety fund, the hospital safety net assessment fund, the 39
Interstate 5 bridge replacement project account, the Interstate 405 40
p. 25 SB 5695
and state route number 167 express toll lanes account, the judges' 1
retirement account, the judicial retirement administrative account, 2
the judicial retirement principal account, the limited fish and 3
wildlife account, the local leasehold excise tax account, the local 4
real estate excise tax account, the local sales and use tax account, 5
the marine resources stewardship trust account, the medical aid 6
account, the money-purchase retirement savings administrative 7
account, the money-purchase retirement savings principal account, the 8
motor vehicle fund, the motorcycle safety education account, the move 9
ahead WA account, the move ahead WA flexible account, the multimodal 10
transportation account, the multiuse roadway safety account, the 11
municipal criminal justice assistance account, the oyster reserve 12
land account, the pension funding stabilization account, the 13
perpetual surveillance and maintenance account, the pilotage account, 14
the pollution liability insurance agency underground storage tank 15
revolving account, the public employees' retirement system plan 1 16
account, the public employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 17
plan 3 account, the public facilities construction loan revolving 18
account, the public health supplemental account, the public works 19
assistance account, the Puget Sound capital construction account, the 20
Puget Sound ferry operations account, the Puget Sound Gateway 21
facility account, the Puget Sound taxpayer accountability account, 22
the real estate appraiser commission account, the recreational 23
vehicle account, the regional mobility grant program account, the 24
reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund, the resource 25
management cost account, the rural arterial trust account, the rural 26
mobility grant program account, the rural Washington loan fund, the 27
second injury fund, the sexual assault prevention and response 28
account, the site closure account, the skilled nursing facility 29
safety net trust fund, the small city pavement and sidewalk account, 30
the special category C account, the special wildlife account, the 31
state hazard mitigation revolving loan account, the state investment 32
board expense account, the state investment board commingled trust 33
fund accounts, the state patrol highway account, the state 34
reclamation revolving account, the state route number 520 civil 35
penalties account, the state route number 520 corridor account, the 36
statewide broadband account, the statewide tourism marketing account, 37
the supplemental pension account, the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge 38
account, the teachers' retirement system plan 1 account, the 39
teachers' retirement system combined plan 2 and plan 3 account, the 40
p. 26 SB 5695
tobacco prevention and control account, the tobacco settlement 1
account, the toll facility bond retirement account, the 2
transportation 2003 account (nickel account), the transportation 3
equipment fund, the JUDY transportation future funding program 4
account, the transportation improvement account, the transportation 5
improvement board bond retirement account, the transportation 6
infrastructure account, the transportation partnership account, the 7
traumatic brain injury account, the tribal opioid prevention and 8
treatment account, the University of Washington bond retirement fund, 9
the University of Washington building account, the voluntary cleanup 10
account, the volunteer firefighters' relief and pension principal 11
fund, the volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers' 12
administrative fund, the vulnerable roadway user education account, 13
the Washington judicial retirement system account, the Washington law 14
enforcement officers' and firefighters' system plan 1 retirement 15
account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' 16
system plan 2 retirement account, the Washington public safety 17
employees' plan 2 retirement account, the Washington school 18
employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 3 account, the 19
Washington state patrol retirement account, the Washington State 20
University building account, the Washington State University bond 21
retirement fund, the water pollution control revolving administration 22
account, the water pollution control revolving fund, the Western 23
Washington University capital projects account, the Yakima integrated 24
plan implementation account, the Yakima integrated plan 25
implementation revenue recovery account, and the Yakima integrated 26
plan implementation taxable bond account. Earnings derived from 27
investing balances of the agricultural permanent fund, the normal 28
school permanent fund, the permanent common school fund, the 29
scientific permanent fund, and the state university permanent fund 30
shall be allocated to their respective beneficiary accounts.31
(b) Any state agency that has independent authority over accounts 32
or funds not statutorily required to be held in the state treasury 33
that deposits funds into a fund or account in the state treasury 34
pursuant to an agreement with the office of the state treasurer shall 35
receive its proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's 36
or fund's average daily balance for the period. 37
(5) In conformance with Article II, section 37 of the state 38
Constitution, no treasury accounts or funds shall be allocated 39
earnings without the specific affirmative directive of this section.40
p. 27 SB 5695
Sec. 18. RCW 43.84.092 and 2024 c 210 s 5 and 2024 c 168 s 13 1
are each reenacted and amended to read as follows: 2
(1) All earnings of investments of surplus balances in the state 3
treasury shall be deposited to the treasury income account, which 4
account is hereby established in the state treasury.5
(2) The treasury income account shall be utilized to pay or 6
receive funds associated with federal programs as required by the 7
federal cash management improvement act of 1990. The treasury income 8
account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no 9
appropriation is required for refunds or allocations of interest 10
earnings required by the cash management improvement act. Refunds of 11
interest to the federal treasury required under the cash management 12
improvement act fall under RCW 43.88.180 and shall not require 13
appropriation. The office of financial management shall determine the 14
amounts due to or from the federal government pursuant to the cash 15
management improvement act. The office of financial management may 16
direct transfers of funds between accounts as deemed necessary to 17
implement the provisions of the cash management improvement act, and 18
this subsection. Refunds or allocations shall occur prior to the 19
distributions of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this 20
section. 21
(3) Except for the provisions of RCW 43.84.160, the treasury 22
income account may be utilized for the payment of purchased banking 23
services on behalf of treasury funds including, but not limited to, 24
depository, safekeeping, and disbursement functions for the state 25
treasury and affected state agencies. The treasury income account is 26
subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is 27
required for payments to financial institutions. Payments shall occur 28
prior to distribution of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this 29
section. 30
(4) Monthly, the state treasurer shall distribute the earnings 31
credited to the treasury income account. The state treasurer shall 32
credit the general fund with all the earnings credited to the 33
treasury income account except: 34
(a) The following accounts and funds shall receive their 35
proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's and fund's 36
average daily balance for the period: The abandoned recreational 37
vehicle disposal account, the aeronautics account, the Alaskan Way 38
viaduct replacement project account, the budget stabilization 39
account, the capital vessel replacement account, the capitol building 40
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construction account, the Central Washington University capital 1
projects account, the charitable, educational, penal and reformatory 2
institutions account, the Chehalis basin account, the Chehalis basin 3
taxable account, the clean fuels credit account, the clean fuels 4
transportation investment account, the cleanup settlement account, 5
the climate active transportation account, the climate transit 6
programs account, the Columbia river basin water supply development 7
account, the Columbia river basin taxable bond water supply 8
development account, the Columbia river basin water supply revenue 9
recovery account, the common school construction fund, the community 10
forest trust account, the connecting Washington account, the county 11
arterial preservation account, the county criminal justice assistance 12
account, the covenant homeownership account, the deferred 13
compensation administrative account, the deferred compensation 14
principal account, the department of licensing services account, the 15
department of retirement systems expense account, the developmental 16
disabilities community services account, the diesel idle reduction 17
account, the opioid abatement settlement account, the drinking water 18
assistance account, the administrative subaccount of the drinking 19
water assistance account, the driver education safety improvement 20
account, the early learning facilities development account, the early 21
learning facilities revolving account, the Eastern Washington 22
University capital projects account, the education construction fund, 23
the education legacy trust account, the election account, the 24
electric vehicle account, the energy freedom account, the energy 25
recovery act account, the essential rail assistance account, The 26
Evergreen State College capital projects account, the fair start for 27
kids account, the family medicine workforce development account, the 28
ferry bond retirement fund, the fish, wildlife, and conservation 29
account, the freight mobility investment account, the freight 30
mobility multimodal account, the grade crossing protective fund, the 31
higher education retirement plan supplemental benefit fund, the 32
Washington student loan account, the highway bond retirement fund, 33
the highway infrastructure account, the highway safety fund, the 34
hospital safety net assessment fund, the Interstate 5 bridge 35
replacement project account, the Interstate 405 and state route 36
number 167 express toll lanes account, the judges' retirement 37
account, the judicial retirement administrative account, the judicial 38
retirement principal account, the limited fish and wildlife account, 39
the local leasehold excise tax account, the local real estate excise 40
p. 29 SB 5695
tax account, the local sales and use tax account, the marine 1
resources stewardship trust account, the medical aid account, the 2
money-purchase retirement savings administrative account, the money-3
purchase retirement savings principal account, the motor vehicle 4
fund, the motorcycle safety education account, the move ahead WA 5
account, the move ahead WA flexible account, the multimodal 6
transportation account, the multiuse roadway safety account, the 7
municipal criminal justice assistance account, the oyster reserve 8
land account, the pension funding stabilization account, the 9
perpetual surveillance and maintenance account, the pilotage account, 10
the pollution liability insurance agency underground storage tank 11
revolving account, the public employees' retirement system plan 1 12
account, the public employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 13
plan 3 account, the public facilities construction loan revolving 14
account, the public health supplemental account, the public works 15
assistance account, the Puget Sound capital construction account, the 16
Puget Sound ferry operations account, the Puget Sound Gateway 17
facility account, the Puget Sound taxpayer accountability account, 18
the real estate appraiser commission account, the recreational 19
vehicle account, the regional mobility grant program account, the 20
reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund, the resource 21
management cost account, the rural arterial trust account, the rural 22
mobility grant program account, the rural Washington loan fund, the 23
second injury fund, the sexual assault prevention and response 24
account, the site closure account, the skilled nursing facility 25
safety net trust fund, the small city pavement and sidewalk account, 26
the special category C account, the special wildlife account, the 27
state hazard mitigation revolving loan account, the state investment 28
board expense account, the state investment board commingled trust 29
fund accounts, the state patrol highway account, the state 30
reclamation revolving account, the state route number 520 civil 31
penalties account, the state route number 520 corridor account, the 32
statewide broadband account, the statewide tourism marketing account, 33
the supplemental pension account, the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge 34
account, the teachers' retirement system plan 1 account, the 35
teachers' retirement system combined plan 2 and plan 3 account, the 36
tobacco prevention and control account, the tobacco settlement 37
account, the toll facility bond retirement account, the 38
transportation 2003 account (nickel account), the transportation 39
equipment fund, the JUDY transportation future funding program 40
p. 30 SB 5695
account, the transportation improvement account, the transportation 1
improvement board bond retirement account, the transportation 2
infrastructure account, the transportation partnership account, the 3
traumatic brain injury account, the tribal opioid prevention and 4
treatment account, the University of Washington bond retirement fund, 5
the University of Washington building account, the voluntary cleanup 6
account, the volunteer firefighters' relief and pension principal 7
fund, the volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers' 8
administrative fund, the vulnerable roadway user education account, 9
the Washington judicial retirement system account, the Washington law 10
enforcement officers' and firefighters' system plan 1 retirement 11
account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' 12
system plan 2 retirement account, the Washington public safety 13
employees' plan 2 retirement account, the Washington school 14
employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 3 account, the 15
Washington state patrol retirement account, the Washington State 16
University building account, the Washington State University bond 17
retirement fund, the water pollution control revolving administration 18
account, the water pollution control revolving fund, the Western 19
Washington University capital projects account, the Yakima integrated 20
plan implementation account, the Yakima integrated plan 21
implementation revenue recovery account, and the Yakima integrated 22
plan implementation taxable bond account. Earnings derived from 23
investing balances of the agricultural permanent fund, the normal 24
school permanent fund, the permanent common school fund, the 25
scientific permanent fund, and the state university permanent fund 26
shall be allocated to their respective beneficiary accounts.27
(b) Any state agency that has independent authority over accounts 28
or funds not statutorily required to be held in the state treasury 29
that deposits funds into a fund or account in the state treasury 30
pursuant to an agreement with the office of the state treasurer shall 31
receive its proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's 32
or fund's average daily balance for the period. 33
(5) In conformance with Article II, section 37 of the state 34
Constitution, no treasury accounts or funds shall be allocated 35
earnings without the specific affirmative directive of this section.36
NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. Sections 13 and 14 of this act take 37
effect January 1, 2026.38
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NEW SECTION. Sec. 20. Section 17 of this act expires July 1, 1
2028.2
NEW SECTION. Sec. 21. Section 18 of this act takes effect July 3
1, 2028.4
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