The bill amends existing laws regarding the transportation of loads on public highways to enhance safety and reduce debris escaping from vehicles. It specifies that no vehicle may operate on public highways unless its load is secured to prevent any part from dropping or escaping. New provisions require that loads of dirt, sand, pebbles, cobbles, gravel, or other aggregate materials must be covered to prevent spillage, with a deadline for compliance set for January 1, 2028. Exemptions are provided for certain public entities under specific conditions, such as emergency responses or maintenance operations. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for failing to secure loads, categorizing violations into degrees based on the severity of the consequences.

The bill also updates regulations concerning litter from vehicles transporting solid waste, mandating that local jurisdictions adopt ordinances to ensure waste is secured or covered to prevent spillage. A fee may be imposed on those arriving at transfer stations or landfills without proper load security. The bill removes previous exemptions for vehicles transporting certain materials in compliance with load security laws. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.61.655, 46.63.020, 7.68.020, 70A.200.120
Substitute Bill: 46.61.655, 70A.200.120