[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6321142,"mediaKeyId","2351826-bb523a8c97f9e0c314cae5c5a53d7f08","parentId",2351826,"title","'Mosquito Fleet' bill would let local jurisdictions set up passenger‑only ferry districts; committee hears broad support and environmental questions","audioSeconds",5584,"startMs",1733710,"endMs",7318302,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351826-bb523a8c97f9e0c314cae5c5a53d7f08&start=1733&end=7318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351826-bb523a8c97f9e0c314cae5c5a53d7f08/thumbnail_1733710.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6321142/Washington/Mosquito-Fleet-bill-would-let-local-jurisdictions-set-up-passengeronly-ferry-districts-committee-hears-broad-support-and-environmental-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321142-7f1ec98a21d7f55139769369a61d6b81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151466&Signature=KfmHl6QyFJ~3schfwhaojO4elMGubbSHLooRKq8z6RzkrtJSxYTt8TS5cE5x9500rUNhl7~nYaBLcb8ylAY4aInbpzqmzxrh0MrEbhT-TsqJ4SKCfkDdb0zsfPfCkNYjSWPrPGglACy0dTaiml4TH2HnQ0Aa86vEohtXzaAGg4G6-Srn0W~S1f5DamGxriuhaYZdCy-uhQltyCTs0D7Q7Oj-5HRQ6DMnLx96HQtXdRDRRA9k4PyCEKvrkQan3F6NVvbg0o95NBYzTUKqXZSg0KczOP7IqoKemxi41vPvgXE2gRWC3GySmzjd3WBHEdrpxrinKIZlkQf2CSGwQDiABw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Transportation","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","The House Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1923, the so‑called Mosquito Fleet Act, which would expand authority for local entities to create passenger‑only ferry (POF) service districts, provide new state grant support and allow local revenue measures to implement POF service.

David Meneke, committee staff, briefed members on the bill’s core mechanics: under the proposal, the governing body of a public transportation benefit area (currently Kitsap Transit), a county, port district, municipal transit system or several other eligible local entities that border a navigable body of water could establish one or more passenger‑only ferry districts. Meneke told the committee that a district would be an independent taxing authority governed by the creating entity and authorized to finance, provide and contract for passenger‑only ferry service, including issuing certain bonds, entering public‑private partnerships and using alternative procurement methods.

Why it matters: Sponsors and supporters framed the bill as a fast, locally controlled way to restore capacity and resilience to Washington’s marine transportation network amid prolonged Washington State Ferries (WSF) service disruptions. Supporters said smaller, quickly deployable passenger‑only vessels can restore commuter, health‑care and economic connections more rapidly and at lower capital cost than large vehicle ferries.

Key bill features described to the committee include:
- Entities authorized to create POF districts: public transportation benefit areas (PTBAs), counties, port districts, city transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, unincorporated transportation benefit areas and regional transit authorities, provided they border or contain navigable water.
- Local financing options tied to an approved POF investment plan: up to 0.3% sales and use tax, a commercial parking tax for qualifying counties, passenger tolls, and fees or licenses for advertising and space leasing; a majority vote of district voters is required to approve the investment plan and proposed taxes.
- A new Local Passenger‑Only Ferry Account created in the state treasury, to be administered by the County Road Administration Board (CRAB). Funds may be appropriated only for a CRAB‑run grant program for (among other items) purchase of used POF vessels, construction or rehabilitation of docking facilities, operations and maintenance, and feasibility studies. CRAB must adopt rules for fund allocation and report program status in its annual report to the legislature.
- The bill contains an emergency clause and (as drafted) would take effect July 1, 2025. Committee staff said a fiscal note was requested on Feb. 14 but had not been received by the time of the hearing.

Sponsor remarks and testimony: Representative Greg Nance (sponsor) described the bill as an urgent, practical response to WSF cancellations: \"The Mosquito Fleet Act is the fastest and cheapest way to put new boats on the water,\" he said, adding the bill would help communities ranging from the San Juans to Grays Harbor and Lake Washington. Nance framed POF service as a complement — not a replacement — for WSF and said the bill would allow jurisdictions to move quickly to restore service, strengthen maritime jobs and increase resilience for medical and employment access.

A broad coalition of local officials, port commissioners, transit agencies, union representatives, small‑business owners and emergency responders testified in support. Kitsap Transit partners, Port of Everett and Port of Olympia representatives described local planning and dock projects already underway; San Juan and Bainbridge Island officials said passenger‑only routes help reduce isolation and support health‑care access and tourism; fire chiefs and emergency‑management volunteers said POF service would add evacuation and response options in disasters.

Concerns and trade‑offs: Testimony also flagged recurring issues lawmakers asked the committee to weigh. Several county and port witnesses said local jurisdictions are interested in forming districts but repeatedly asked whether long‑term operations and maintenance (O&M) costs would rely on continued state support or local taxing capacity. Ports emphasized they can provide land, permitting and some financing tools but generally do not anticipate being sole long‑term operators or funders of O&M.

Environmental and species protection questions were raised by opponents and one witness who urged stricter limits on POF growth in orca habitat. Donna Sandstrom warned the committee that increased vessel traffic in the San Juan Islands and central Puget Sound \"will create chaos for these whales\" and asked for explicit protections, oversight and training requirements for vessel operators to minimize disturbance and collision risk.

Operational details and grant scope: Meneke and multiple witnesses described the CRAB grant program’s intended uses (used vessel purchase, dock work, operations/maintenance support and feasibility studies). The bill permits grants to fund vessel procurement and dock construction and allows CRAB to retain earnings in the account. A majority of witnesses urged the committee to consider equitable access (for island residents and tribal communities), electric or low‑emission vessels and alignment of routes with land‑side transit.

Next steps: The hearing record closed and the committee announced it would meet in executive session to consider bills and follow with further briefings. Committee staff noted the bill would require additional work on fiscal impacts and on drafting tighter environmental and operational safeguards before possible passage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Transportation - 2/19/2025 4:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act, which would let counties, ports, transit agencies and other local entities establish passenger‑only ferry districts, authorize local taxes for POF service and create a CRAB‑administered grant account for vessels and docks.","taxTitle","Transportation, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20272,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6321148,"Committee hears bill to expand driver education to ages 18–24; DOL projects about $8 million annually",1707,19855,1727410,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351826-bb523a8c97f9e0c314cae5c5a53d7f08&start=19&end=1727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351826-bb523a8c97f9e0c314cae5c5a53d7f08/thumbnail_19855.jpg","/articles/6321148/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-expand-driver-education-to-ages-1824-DOL-projects-about-8-million-annually","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321148-b42af38a01fea7d35c6b5bdbb1dddd3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151466&Signature=Xyds5cYwEBXEpQtw5~-g1QQ8B7IUS~hgf2-1sEfRMSp1wBZcm3SV4N~vHxOTHO6n~afERuiaqGX8E~J1NoHzzdDOxK8F7sUNYAOwISsCKfoNPGNP400XxU6Ay80jBAkBYS11fVru~pVO4tgwUlDKKcJrJA-daU9mjcDSPtGvAd6gpnj659tJMrnhz8lgC~WVdPmUOFPlinem3rafrSf5PmR1fjNG6te3H6-~lXtVoUxtV7EmbEbksbrkyZWb~mIuEeMIERAnaYpMTAB9lMlcWL6kKlQj~FmhQxR0SlPDns0fHhlf8m2Ahx3g5U4C1Fc-YN2~eShjsUItCry726RZwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Transportation Committee members heard public testimony and a staff briefing Wednesday on House Bill 1878, a measure to extend driver training requirements to novice drivers between 18 and 24.

For the record, Jennifer Harris, staff to the committee, summarized the bill’s central change: \"House Bill 1878 concerns young driver education.\" Under the bill, the state would phase in driver training requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with the requirements applying to those turning 18 first and expanding each year until the requirement covers all people 18 through 24 by 2033.

Why it matters: Supporters and neutral agencies told the committee that drivers who bypass the driver-education pipeline appear to have higher crash rates after licensure, and proponents said the bill would reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries among older novice drivers. Opponents and some instructors warned the committee about implementation challenges, program quality for online offerings, and the cost and logistics of a voucher program.

The bill’s main provisions outlined to the committee include:
- A phased implementation schedule beginning Jan. 1, 2027, moving year-by-year until the requirement applies to people ages 18 through 24 (committee staff described the end year as 2033).
- That eligible training may be completed through a DOL-licensed private driver training school, an OSPI-authorized school district program, or an online self‑paced course approved by the Department of Licensing (DOL). Students who choose the online option would also have minimum behind‑the‑wheel hour requirements: 6 hours for ages 18–21 and 4 hours for ages 22–24, with an alternate condensed course available for 22–24 year olds.
- Motorcycle endorsement applicants aged 18–24 must complete a DOL‑standard motorcycle safety course.
- DOL may waive the requirement on narrow grounds (for example, reciprocal licensing from another jurisdiction or documented inability to complete a course) and may by rule pause phased implementation for the oldest cohort if instructor capacity or course availability is insufficient.
- Subject to transportation‑budget appropriations, DOL must create a certification and instructor training program and may offer grants or incentives to expand instructor capacity and diversity.
- A voucher program (subject to available funds) to cover average course costs for novice drivers from low‑income households; DOL must consult the Washington Traffic Safety Commission on eligibility and procedures and must make clear the voucher program is not an entitlement.
- A tribal partnership program to provide driver education in tribal communities, with an implementation plan due to the transportation committees by Jan. 1, 2026.
- Fee increases intended to fund the program: the permit fee would increase by $10 to $35, the driver exam fee would increase by $15 to $50, and the license service fee collected at vehicle registration would rise by $0.25 to $0.75. The bill directs those revenues and certain other sources (including any surplus speed‑camera revenue and a portion of a specified special license plate fee) into a new driver education safety improvement account dedicated to expanding and improving driver education.

Data and fiscal notes: Mark McKechnie, external relations director at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, told the committee the commission is officially neutral but emphasized the safety evidence in its Target Zero plan. McKechnie summarized Department of Licensing analysis presented to the commission: \"Looking at 18 year olds who are licensed at the age of 18 ... they had a 92% higher experience of crashes in their first year of driving compared to 16 year olds who are licensed at the age of 16.\"

Committee staff said a partial fiscal note is available. Department of Licensing staff estimated the fee changes would generate \"a little over $8,000,000 annually\" and flagged additional DOL costs tied to voucher administration, application processing, customer service and IT updates.

Public testimony: Representative Brandy Donaghy (prime sponsor) urged the committee to act on safety grounds, saying in part, \"When our young people are getting onto the road, they're dying.\" Supporters included AAA Washington, the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association, driver training instructors, and victim‑advocacy groups. Testimony raised several implementation questions: several speakers urged stronger, uniform standards that align OSPI and DOL curricula; instructors pressed for clear rules on online course standards and how behind‑the‑wheel instruction would be scheduled in rural areas; and some speakers warned a voucher program may not reach all who need help.

Areas of concern and committee focus: Committee members and witnesses pressed for clarity on several operational points that would affect implementation and cost. These included how OSPI and DOL would coordinate curriculum and quality standards for public‑school versus private‑school programs, how online course standards will be defined and audited, what mechanisms DOL will use to expand instructor capacity, and whether voucher eligibility criteria could exclude some young adults who cannot otherwise afford instruction.

Next steps: The hearing record closed without a committee vote. Staff noted the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s fiscal review remained outstanding; committee members asked to see more detailed cost and implementation estimates from DOL and OSPI as the bill moves through the process.

Ending: With public testimony concluded, the committee closed the HB 1878 hearing and moved to the next bill on the agenda.","The Transportation Committee took public testimony on House Bill 1878, which would phase in driver training requirements for people ages 18–24 beginning Jan. 1, 2027, add a voucher program for low-income novice drivers, raise several licensing fees and require annual implementation reporting by the Department of Licensing.","actionData","errors"]

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'Mosquito Fleet' bill would let local jurisdictions set up passenger‑only ferry districts; committee hears broad support and environmental questions

Committee hears bill to expand driver education to ages 18–24; DOL projects about $8 million annually