The Legislature has re-introduced a bill from the 2022 session authorizing state and local agencies to install signs on or near bridges warning people of the dangers of diving or jumping off.

HB 1004 (companion to SB 5478), from Rep. Peter Abbarno (R–Centralia), is known as “Zach’s Law.” The bill 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.

Based on feedback from last session, 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. Any sign located along a state highway or the interstate system must be approved by Washington State Department of Transporation.

Additionally, the bill directs 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.

Date to remember

HB 1004 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday, January 25 at 4 pm.