3/23/04-A Senate bill that would outlaw the use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green has died.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill, intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT, was in the House Transportation Committee at the close of the legislative session, effectively killing the bill for the year.
Under SB6178, which previously passed the Senate, a person caught buying, selling or using the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.

2/27/04-A Senate bill that would outlaw the use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green has been sent to the House for consideration.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
SB6178, which passed the Senate 49-0 Feb. 16, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, a person caught buying, selling or using the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

2/9/04-The Senate Highways and Transportation Committee approved a bill that would outlaw the use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill, which has been forwarded to the Senate Rules Committee, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
Under SB6178, sponsored by Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, a person caught buying, selling or using the device would be charged with a misdemeanor. If a person using a transmitter caused an accident that resulted in injury or death to another person, the offense would become a felony.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.
A similar House bill – HB2319 – is in the House Rules Committee.