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HB 1537

Expanding access to funding from the multiuse roadway safety account for eligible cities and for the Washington state departments of natural resources and fish and wildlife for maintenance and guidance of motorized recreation on green dot roads.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis

Expands state safety funding access to cities and natural resource agencies for maintaining motorized recreation roads, broadening eligible uses of the multiuse roadway safety account.

House Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · HB 1537

Legislative bill overview

HB 1537 expands eligibility for funding from Washington's multiuse roadway safety account to include cities and state natural resource agencies (DNR and Fish & Wildlife). The bill specifically directs these funds toward maintenance and management of motorized recreation on "green dot roads"—designated routes for off-road vehicle use.

Why is this important

This bill increases funding access for maintaining off-road recreation infrastructure, which affects both rural communities dependent on motorized recreation economies and environmental management in state lands. The expansion could improve safety and trail conditions but also requires significant public investment in what has historically been a niche recreational activity.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding competition: Diverting safety account resources to motorized recreation may compete with traditional road safety priorities, raising questions about whether this is the appropriate fund source
  • Environmental concerns: Expansion of motorized recreation access and maintenance could face opposition from conservation groups worried about habitat disruption and land degradation
  • Rural vs. urban priorities: Cities may have competing priorities for limited safety funds, and the bill's focus on green dot roads may benefit rural areas disproportionately while urban transportation safety needs go unfunded

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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