The bill amends several sections of Washington state law regarding the transfer and abandonment of highway routes. It introduces a new provision that allows the state department of transportation to modify the alignment of public highways that are no longer necessary, with specific procedures for highways exceeding two miles in length or including a bridge, which will be classified as route transfers. The bill also establishes an independent multijurisdictional body to review requests for jurisdictional transfers and abandonments, ensuring that these requests are evaluated based on established criteria and that a report is submitted annually to the transportation committees.

Additionally, the bill updates criteria for designating state highways, emphasizing connectivity and continuity, and clarifies the process for decommissioning segments of existing state highways. It specifies that any changes to the status of a highway segment must be authorized through legislation, which may include transferring the segment to local jurisdictions or retaining it as part of the state highway system. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.75.090, 47.17.001, 47.24.010, 47.28.010