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WashingtonSB 55562025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modernizing the adopt-a-highway program to improve its ability to meet its original purpose within existing fiscal limitations.

Sponsored By: Bill Ramos (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Annual reports on participants and safety

DOT keeps records of any injuries or accidents during program work. By December 1, 2025, DOT reports current participants, locations, contractor use, and compliance. Every year after that, by December 1, DOT sends an updated list of all applicants and participants with locations, contractor use, and compliance, plus context.

Business sponsors must cover worker premiums

Starting July 1, 2026, businesses that take part must pay employer premiums or assessments to provide medical aid benefits for employees or agents who participate. DOT may also ask sponsors for cash, labor, or in‑kind help under its contribution guidelines.

Volunteer safety training and medical coverage

Beginning July 1, 2026, volunteers must be at least 15. Minors need a parent’s consent, with one adult for every eight minors. DOT provides safety training and equipment, which must be returned when service ends. DOT pays the premiums needed to provide medical aid benefits for volunteers.

Adopt-a-highway signs: rules and fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, DOT installs recognition signs only when money is budgeted. Signs must use DOT designs, may show the sponsor’s name or logo, and follow strict content limits. Signs may be placed on interstates, primary and scenic highways, and some other state sites. Each litter‑control area can have one sign visible from each direction, and siting must meet safety standards. DOT may charge sponsors reasonable fees to make, install, and maintain signs.

How groups apply and qualify

Starting July 1, 2026, groups and businesses submit a proposal on standard DOT forms. DOT reviews proposals, may accept, reject, or modify them, and assigns sections. DOT also sets a process to decide eligibility disputes. Groups with political or party names cannot join. DOT cannot accept plans that would cut classified state jobs. Adoptions on leased right‑of‑way need the owner’s permission. The law protects adjacent landowners’ existing rights.

Statewide adopt-a-highway program framework

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state sets up a uniform adopt‑a‑highway program, but it runs only when lawmakers fund it. Groups can adopt stretches of highway, rest areas, park‑and‑ride lots, intermodal sites, and other DOT facilities. Litter pickup is required. Planting native, pollinator‑friendly plants and other upkeep can be added. DOT sets the program’s rules and procedures.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Ramos

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

  • Liz Lovelett

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Chapman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 189 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 92 • No: 3 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025*.

    5/16/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 291, 2025 Laws.

    5/16/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/16/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/22/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/22/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 92; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/11/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/11/2025Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. TR - Majority; do pass.

    4/4/2025Senate

  15. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/4/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    2/27/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/25/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/25/2025Senate

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/25/2025Senate

  20. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/19/2025Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/17/2025Senate

  22. TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/13/2025Senate

  23. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    1/28/2025Senate

  24. Introduced

    1/28/2025Senate

Bill Text

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