SB 5716
SignedSenate
Transit conduct/ferries
Expanding the locations where a person can be guilty of unlawful transit conduct to include the Washington state ferries.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill extends existing rules against disruptive or dangerous behavior on public transit to include Washington state ferries, making violations on ferries subject to the same criminal penalties as on buses and trains. It updates definitions to ensure ferries are covered under the same conduct laws used for other transit systems.
- Expands the definition of 'transit vehicle' to explicitly include Washington state ferries, so existing conduct rules now apply to ferries.
- Adds 16 specific prohibited behaviors on transit vehicles and facilities—including ferries—such as smoking, littering, spitting, carrying hazardous materials, disruptive behavior, and damaging property.
- Clarifies that 'transit authority' now includes Washington state ferries, giving them the same regulatory authority over conduct as other transit systems.
- Sets violations as misdemeanor offenses, punishable under state law.
- Includes exceptions for certain activities, such as smoking in designated areas, use of earphones, and authorized equipment use by staff or public safety officers.
Who is affected
- Washington state ferry passengers and crew — Ferry passengers and crew may now be subject to the same conduct rules and penalties as users of other public transit, including fines for behaviors like smoking, littering, or disruptive behavior on ferries.
- Law enforcement and transit security personnel — Law enforcement and transit security staff will be responsible for enforcing the expanded rules on ferries, including issuing citations for violations.
- General public using ferries — People who currently use ferries for daily commuting or travel may face new behavioral expectations and potential fines for actions that were previously unregulated on ferries.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (4)
Explicitly including ferries under the same conduct rules as buses and trains enhances passenger and crew safety by allowing enforcement against dangerous behaviors like carrying hazardous materials, throwing objects with intent to harm, or obstructing emergency egress—critical on isolated marine environments where evacuation options are limited.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(f), (k), (h); Sec. 1(2)(b)Prohibiting littering, dumping hazardous materials, and property damage on ferries protects Puget Sound water quality and marine ecosystems from pollution, while preserving public infrastructure—benefiting all residents who rely on clean, functional ferry services and healthy marine habitats.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(c), (d), (e), (j); Sec. 1(2)(a)Clarifying that disruptive, obstructive, or harassing behavior is prohibited on ferries strengthens the ability of crew and passengers to feel safe and respected during travel—especially vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and survivors of violence who may avoid ferries if they feel unsafe.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(h), (i), (p); Sec. 1(2)(a)Designated smoking areas and exceptions for earphones, authorized equipment, and walking with skates provide reasonable balance between regulation and personal convenience, reducing unnecessary conflict while maintaining order—benefiting most everyday riders who want clean, predictable transit environments.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a), (g), (o); Sec. 1(2)(a)
Potential Concerns (4)
Expanding criminal misdemeanor penalties for behaviors previously unregulated or handled civilly on ferries (e.g., littering, smoking in non-designated areas, disruptive conduct) may increase low-level criminalization of everyday people—particularly unhoused individuals, youth, or those with mental health or substance use conditions—who may engage in such behaviors due to circumstance rather than malice. This risks over-policing and unnecessary court involvement for minor infractions.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), (n), (o), (p); Sec. 1(3)The bill imposes new misdemeanor enforcement responsibilities on ferry operators and local law enforcement without providing dedicated funding, potentially diverting limited public safety resources from higher-priority crimes and increasing administrative burdens on already-stretched agencies.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(3); Fiscal Impact section (not in bill text but in summary)The lack of exceptions for people experiencing homelessness (e.g., sleeping on ferries, carrying minimal belongings, or seeking shelter) may criminalize survival behaviors, disproportionately impacting unhoused individuals who have no alternative safe, warm, or dry space—especially during winter months on Puget Sound ferries.
HousingLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a), (g), (o); Sec. 1(2)(a)Vague terms like 'unreasonably disturbs others' and 'other conduct inconsistent with the intended use' grant broad discretionary enforcement power to transit staff and officers, risking arbitrary or discriminatory application—particularly against people of color, youth, or those with disabilities—without clear procedural safeguards.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(i), (p); Sec. 1(2)(a)
Who Is Most Affected
Ferry passengers—especially daily commuters, seniors, and low-income riders—benefit from improved safety and cleanliness, but may face fines for minor infractions (e.g., spilling coffee, loud phone calls) if enforcement is overly aggressive. Unhoused passengers are at highest risk of criminalization.
Crew and staff gain clearer authority to manage disruptive behavior and protect themselves and passengers, but may face increased liability or conflict if enforcing subjective rules (e.g., 'unreasonably disturbs') without training or support.
Law enforcement agencies gain expanded jurisdiction but face added workload without new funding—potentially diverting resources from violent crime. This may strain relationships with communities if enforcement appears discriminatory.
Businesses near ferry terminals (e.g., cafes, shops) may benefit from calmer, cleaner environments that encourage longer passenger dwell time, but could face backlash if enforcement alienates regular customers.
Environmental and public health advocates may support the pollution and safety provisions, but civil liberties groups may oppose the broad criminalization of poverty-adjacent behaviors (e.g., sleeping, panhandling) under vague 'unruly' standards.