The Senate Law & Justice Committee will hear a bill this week that would take money from cities to support new information technology systems.

SB 5226, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D–Shoreline), looks to reform how individuals pay traffic tickets and the process for suspending an individual’s license. Included in the bill is an increase to the state’s share of certain traffic tickets.

Section 8(a) of the bill addresses a $20 penalty that can be assessed on top of a ticket in certain cases. Section 8(b) indicates that the state would increase its share of the penalty from $8.50 to $10.50. The additional funds would be used to support new Department of Licensing systems to manage driving records, implement court orders, and communicate with the judicial information system. The remaining $9.50 would be transferred to cities or counties for deposit in their expense fund.

AWC is concerned by the proposal because cities’ share of the $20 penalty is meant to constitute reimbursement for unfunded mandates under RCW 43.125.060. By reducing cities’ portion of the penalty, the state expects cities to shoulder the ever-growing financial burden of supporting state-mandated programs. Given that revenues are already stretched thin due to the COVID-19 pandemic and constrained financial flexibility, AWC believes that now is not the time for the Legislature to reduce money shared with cities.

AWC will address our concerns with the bill’s sponsor to ensure that state funding for cities remains in place. We encourage you to contact your legislators and express your concerns about the reduction in funding.

Dates to remember

SB 5226 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Thursday, February 4 at 10:30 am.