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SB 5556

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 8 co-sponsors

Washington ties Adopt-A-Highway program authority and sign recognition to annual appropriations, adds annual reporting, and updates forms to boost accountability and oversight.

Effective date 7/27/2025*.
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Bill Summary · SB 5556

SB 5556 — Modernizing the Adopt‑A‑Highway Program (2025)

Summary
- Purpose: Update Washington State’s Adopt‑A‑Highway (AAH) program to increase accountability, prioritize limited transportation funding, and ensure volunteers and business sponsors fulfill program obligations while preserving opportunities to participate.
- Sponsor: Senate Committee on Transportation (prime sponsor Sen. Bill Ramos among others).
- Status: Enacted as Chapter 291, 2025 Laws; Governor signed 5/16/2025. Act contains multiple effective dates (see “Timing” below).

Key provisions and changes
1. Funding contingency for program authority and signs
- The Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) authority to operate a statewide AAH program and to recognize participants with roadside signs is made subject to the availability of amounts specifically appropriated for those purposes in an omnibus transportation appropriations act. (Text identifies this condition as taking effect July 1, 2026—see Timing.)

  1. Annual reporting requirement

    • WSDOT must submit an annual report by December 1 to the legislative transportation committees and the Office of Financial Management (OFM).
    • The report must be provided in Excel or similar electronic format and include, for each applicant and participant:
      • organization name;
      • whether they use a paid contractor or act solely with volunteers;
      • location(s) of adopted highway sections;
      • whether the participant met contractual obligations in the prior year; and
      • any contextual information WSDOT deems relevant.
    • The first report due in 2025 must include each participant’s compliance record since they became an AAH participant (not limited to the prior year).

  2. Application/contract form updates

    • WSDOT must provide standardized application, registration, and contractual agreement forms.
    • These forms must notify prospective participants of (a) program reporting requirements and (b) the risks and responsibilities associated with participation.

  3. Program administration and limitations (retained/clarified)

    • Minimum program elements remain: litter control (typically up to four pickups/year for 2–4 mile sections), optional vegetation planting/maintenance, graffiti removal, etc.
    • WSDOT continues to supply safety training, traffic and safety equipment, litter bags, and disposal for volunteer groups.
    • WSDOT may solicit private funding and develop guidelines for cash, labor, and in‑kind contributions.
    • Organizations with partisan names or those that advocate/oppose candidates or specific ballot measures are ineligible.
    • WSDOT must not accept proposals that would result in termination of classified state employees.

Who is affected
- WSDOT: increased reporting, updated forms, and potential reprioritization of AAH resources based on appropriations and program performance.
- Volunteers, community groups, and businesses participating in AAH: must be informed of reporting obligations; their continued recognition (signs) may depend on appropriations and compliance with contracts. Businesses may continue to use paid contractors.
- Legislature and OFM: will receive annual electronic program rosters and compliance data to support oversight and budget decisions.

Fiscal and procedural notes
- No new appropriation included in the bill. A fiscal note is available.
- By conditioning program authority and sign recognition on appropriations, the statute allows the Legislature to control program scope within existing fiscal constraints.

Timing / Effective dates
- Governor signed: 5/16/2025. Filed as Chapter 291, 2025 Laws.
- General act effective date listed as 7/27/2025.* (The bill text specifies multiple effective dates; readers should consult the enacted chapter for exact timing.)
- Key program changes that recondition WSDOT’s authority and sign recognition are described in the bill as taking effect July 1, 2026.
- First annual report required by December 1, 2025 (must include participants’ compliance history since joining).

Legislative action highlights
- Passed Senate: 4/22/2025 (48–0). Passed House (as amended): 4/11/2025 (92–3). Delivered to Governor: 4/25/2025; signed 5/16/2025.

Implications
- The bill increases oversight and accountability of AAH participants and gives the Legislature greater budgetary control over program scope (including sign recognition). If appropriations are not provided, WSDOT’s ability to operate or promote the program (for example, by installing/maintaining recognition signs) could be limited. The reporting requirement provides legislators and OFM detailed data to inform funding and policy decisions.

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

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