The language of Initiative 715, which would allow Washington

citizens to erect memorials on public rights-of-way, reads as follows:

1. A small memorial placed upon the public right-of-way where a

tragic motor vehicle accident has taken place helps not only the grieving

family and friends, but the memorial also benefits the motoring public as

they become cognizant of possible dangerous areas on the public right-of-way.

2. A citizen of the state of Washington may place a small memorial

on a public right-of-way that is not part of the interstate highway system

where a death has occurred as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

3. The memorials may measure no more than two feet in height

and two feet in width.

4. The memorials must be placed a safe distance from the edge of

the shoulder of the road so as to not present any hazard or obstruction to

the motoring public. Wood or plastic material must be used when

sturdier materials would present a safety hazard.

5. In the event of any concerns pertaining to safety issues, a

representative from the Washington State Patrol and a representative from the

local police department shall resolve those safety issues.

6. The decedent’s family shall determine the length of time a

memorial remains at the site of the loss of life. In case of apparent abandonment

of the memorial site, the Department of Transportation, or other entity

or person who would have the legal authority to remove the memorial,

shall make every effort possible to contact family members who would be

affected by the removal. The decedent’s family may choose whatever

form or fashion the memorial will be within the size limitations stated in

subsection three of this section and as distinguished from a memorial that

the Department of Transportation or other legal authority deems

politically correct.

7. Existing memorials that exceed the size limitations of

subsection three are exempt from removal as long as they present no safety hazard

to the motoring public.