House passes Griffey's safety rest areas bill

Rep. Dan Griffey’s bill to reopen safety rest areas throughout the state as soon as possible passed the House unanimously.

According to a news release, House Bill 1655 passed Feb. 9. The bill would keep roads safe by allowing all drivers to use safety rest areas immediately, which is a growing safety concern throughout the country. The problem was exacerbated in the state due to the state government closing of many state-owned and operated safety rest areas in fall 2021 due to the pandemic.

“We need to pass this bill now. It’s going to save lives,” Griffey, R-Allyn, said in a news release. “Th...