SB 6311 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Providing for continuous, safe, and accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects.

SB 6311 requires construction permittees to maintain continuous, accessible pedestrian pathways during projects in hospital zones (within 300 feet of hospital property), public parks, schools, and other sensitive areas. It prohibits sidewalk closures unless a feasible same-side temporary route cannot be provided, mandating ADA-compliant pathways with physical barriers, lighting, and unobstructed emergency access. Permittees must submit safety plans analyzing accessibility and emergency routes, with enforcement including stop-work orders for violations. The law applies to all local governments and entities performing permitted work in these zones, effective January 2027.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 26, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Substitute Bill → Engrossed Substitute Bill · 5 edits · Feb 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was renamed from 'Substitute' to 'Engrossed Substitute,' indicating it has passed both legislative chambers. The primary substantive change involves removing specific definitions for 'roadway work zones' and 'public park impact zones' from the list of areas requiring mandatory pedestrian passage. Additionally, the requirement to maintain 'safe' passage was changed to just 'passage,' and new procedures were added to allow permittees a 24-hour window to correct compliance issues before facing penalties.

Scope change

The scope of mandatory pedestrian passage requirements was narrowed by removing explicit mandates for 'roadway work zones' and 'public park impact zones,' shifting the focus primarily to hospital, school, and remaining work zones.

DEFINITION

Removed definitions for 'roadway work zone' and 'public park impact zone' from the bill's glossary.

Modified the definition of 'temporary pedestrian route' to remove the word 'accessible,' broadening the scope of acceptable temporary paths.

REQUIREMENT

Removed 'roadway work zones' and 'public park impact zones' from the list of zones where continuous pedestrian passage must be maintained.

Changed the requirement for temporary routes from maintaining 'safe passage' to simply maintaining 'passage,' potentially lowering the safety standard for construction areas.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a new enforcement step requiring the permitting authority to provide a 24-hour notice and opportunity to correct violations before issuing stop work orders or civil penalties.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 17, 2026

How they voted

51–0

Passed

Total votes 51

Feb 17, 2026

D Democratic31

31 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican20

20 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

TR - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:00 PM.

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Floor amendment(s) adopted.

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.

upper

1 primary · 6 co-sponsors