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WashingtonHB 21922025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Updating the role of the Washington traffic safety commission in identifying the risk factors that lead to roadway fatalities.

Sponsored By: Sam Low (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Cooper Jones council for pedestrian safety

Beginning June 11, 2026, the commission convenes the Cooper Jones council to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorists. The council meets at least quarterly, files an annual report by December 31, and sends budget advice by August 1 every two years. Members include agencies, law enforcement, local governments, tribes, engineers, and advocates. The council can accept gifts and grants and may award safety grants when funds are appropriated. Reviews of fatal crashes involving active transportation must include some council members, and related reports must be presented to the council in the same year.

Stronger data and reviews for fatal crashes

Beginning June 11, 2026, the commission can collect and link hospital, EMS, coroner, and medical examiner records to study fatal crashes. It can get driver licensing records and some law‑enforcement records for these reviews. The commission may convene expert review committees, publish anonymized trend reports, and share anonymized data with the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It can also recommend changes to laws and policies and work with local governments to improve crash data quality.

Traffic safety as public health mission

Beginning June 11, 2026, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission is a public health authority. It focuses on the factors that cause deadly and serious crashes. The commission plans and coordinates prevention programs, including education and improved driver training. The goal is fewer fatal and serious-injury collisions statewide.

Privacy and legal shields for crash reviews

Beginning June 11, 2026, records and meetings for traffic fatality reviews are confidential and not open to the public. Documents made for the review, and meeting discussions, cannot be used in civil or administrative cases. People who attend the meetings generally cannot testify about them, though the commission may release de‑identified recommendations. Review participants are immune from civil lawsuits if they act in good faith. The law creates no private right to sue, except for bad‑faith disclosure of protected information.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sam Low

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Brandy Donaghy

    Democratic • House

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Bergquist

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 2 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/17/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/23/2026House

  2. Chapter 152, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/23/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/10/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/27/2026House

  12. Minority; do not pass.

    2/27/2026House

  13. TRAN - Majority; do pass.

    2/27/2026House

  14. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    2/19/2026House

  15. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/17/2026House

  16. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/17/2026House

  17. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/17/2026House

  18. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/17/2026House

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

    2/12/2026House

  20. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

  21. TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/5/2026House

  22. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/5/2026House

  23. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    1/12/2026House

  24. Prefiled for introduction.

    12/24/2025House

Bill Text

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