OLYMPIA – Two measures meant to make driving in Washington state a little more civil are headed to Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The Senate on Monday passed a bill that would require drivers to use handsfree devices when talking on their cell phones, and another that would make it illegal to cut in line to catch a ferry. If Gregoire signs both measures, as expected, doing either could cost you an extra $101.
Senators agreed to House changes to their original legislation and passed it on a 33-15 vote.
Under the proposed law, if you’re caught holding a cell phone when you’re pulled over for another infraction, such as speeding, you could face an extra $101 fine.
The measure would allow motorists to use hand-held phones to summon help in an emergency or to report illegal activity. Emergency workers would be allowed to use a cell phone while driving if they are performing official duties. Tow truck drivers responding to disabled vehicles would also be allowed to use hand-held phones. People who wear hearing aids are also exempt.
Another measure passed Monday would result in instant karma for those who cut in line in the form of a $101 fine, or at the very least, getting sent to the back of the line. Violations would not become part of the violator’s driving record.
It would also be illegal to block a residential driveway while waiting to board the ferry.
Vehicles that qualify for preferential loading privileges would be exempt, as would cars waiting to board the Keller Ferry on Highway 21, across the Columbia River, east of the Coulee Dam.
Also heading to Gregoire after being passed by the Senate on Monday:
* On an unanimous vote, a measure that would require state colleges and universities to waive costs for spouses and children of active-duty and National Guard members killed, disabled, captured or missing in action.
* On an unanimous vote, a measure that would create the Washington Guaranteed Scholarship Program to grant scholarships to low-income students who are identified in the seventh grade and who pledge to graduate from high school with at least a C average and not have any felony convictions. To receive the scholarship, the student must have kept the pledge.
* On a 68-29 vote, a measure that would increase the minimum benefit paid on worker compensation claims. Under the bill, the minimum amount paid would be set at 15 percent of the state average monthly wage, plus an additional $10 per month if a worker is married and an additional $10 per month for each child. If the amount exceeded the worker’s wages, then 100 percent of the worker’s wages would be paid.
* On an unanimous vote, the Senate passed a measure that would allow juvenile sex offenders who violate parole to be sent to a detention facility for up to six months, in addition to the remainder of that juvenile’s sentencing range.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
