The bill establishes the Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council, aimed at enhancing roadway safety and improving the commercial trucking industry through public-private collaboration. The council will recommend programs and projects focused on analyzing crash trends, driver education, regulatory compliance, and industry training. It will consist of various members, including representatives from state agencies, the trucking industry, and the public, and will meet quarterly to discuss its initiatives. The council is also tasked with reporting its activities and recommendations to the legislature annually starting in December 2027.

To fund the council's activities, the bill amends RCW 46.17.315 to increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, with the additional funds being allocated to both the state patrol highway account and a newly created Commercial Truck Safety and Education Account. This account will be used exclusively for activities recommended by the council to improve safety in the trucking industry. The bill also outlines the procedures for the council's operations, including the ability to solicit funds from public and private sources to support its initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 46.17.315
Substitute bill: 43.03.050
Bill as passed Legislature: 43.03.050
Session law: 43.03.050