A bill to decriminalize jaywalking and reduce profiling of people of color and of low socio-economic status was amended last week in response to a strong set of stakeholder voices expressing reservations with the proposal.
SB 5383 allows pedestrians to cross a roadway at any point unless a “reasonably careful
person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision” with a moving vehicle. AWC wrote about the House version of the bill here.
Proponents have amended the bill, partly in response to concerns raised by AWC regarding safety, liability, and definitional clarity. We now ask cities to review the amendment and provide comment no later than February 28.
We now ask cities to review the amendment and provide comment no later than February 28.
Below is a summary of the changes made to bill:
- Limits legal jaywalking to roads with a posted speed of 45 mph or less.
- Restores the prohibition that a pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb to move into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Restores the prohibition that pedestrians may not cross a roadway at an unmarked crosswalk where an official sign prohibits such crossing.
- Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to annually report jaywalking infraction data.
SB 5383’s next stop is the Rules Committee, which it must pass before moving to the House for consideration.