The Legislature has introduced a bill authorizing state and local agencies to install signs on or near bridges warning people of the dangers of diving or jumping off the bridge.

HB 1595 (Rep. Peter Abbarno, R–Centralia), also known as “Zach’s law,” encourages cities, towns, and counties to erect informational signs on new and existing bridges providing location-specific information about the hazards of jumping. The signs are meant to be more than just a "no jumping" sign so that people can better understand the hazards related to a particular location. Signs may be erected in locations where people might otherwise think a location is safe for swimming.

In an amendment adopted by the Transportation Committee, the bill clarifies that the law may not be used to impose liability on the city or town if a sign has or has not been erected on its property.

Under the law, any sign located along a state highway or the interstate system must be approved by WSDOT.

Additionally, the bill requires certain state agencies to consider (before entering a contract for the construction or replacement of a bridge) whether to require the installation of these informational signs as part of the contract.

AWC supports this bill and appreciates the amendments to clarify liability.

HB 1595 passed out of committee by unanimous vote and now awaits further action in the House.