The bill amends various sections of Washington state law concerning automated traffic safety cameras, introducing new definitions and regulations for their implementation. It defines terms such as "automated traffic safety camera," "hospital speed zone," "public park speed zone," "school speed zone," and "school walk zone." The legislation allows local governments to authorize the use of these cameras through ordinances, requires an analysis of proposed camera locations for equity and community impact, and prohibits their use on interstate on-ramps. Additionally, it mandates clear signage to inform drivers of camera enforcement areas and ensures that captured images do not reveal the identities of drivers or passengers. The bill specifies the types of violations that can be monitored, including stoplight and speed violations in designated zones, and restricts the use of generated revenue to traffic safety purposes.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the process for issuing notices of traffic infractions detected by automated systems, establishing a prima facie presumption of responsibility for registered vehicle owners unless they provide sworn testimony that the vehicle was stolen or in someone else's care. It modifies the funding source for the Cooper Jones active transportation safety account and requires biennial reporting by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission on the account's activities. The bill also repeals the existing definition of automated traffic safety cameras in RCW 46.63.170, streamlining the legal framework for traffic safety enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.16A.120, 46.63.030, 46.63.075, 46.68.480