Committee holds Bill 73 (traffic code updates) for further drafting after interagency concerns

Councilmember dos Santos Tam introduced Bill 73 (2025) to modernize obsolete provisions of the city's traffic code, saying many items date back to 1931 and require reorganization. He explained CD1 reinserts provisions previously in another bill (Bill 75) so the updates can advance together.

Renee Espio, Complete Streets Administrator, told the committee that some CD1 provisions relate to the Department of Customer Services and deferred those items to that department for review. Kathy Mitchell, representing the Board of Water Supply (BWS), testified that BWS objects to section 13 of Bill 73 CD1 because it would repeal Revised Ordinances section 15-160.7; she recommended replacing CD1's language with suggested replacement text and a revised exhibit (including a map) that BWS submitted in written testimony.

Kim Hashiro, director of the Department of Customer Services, said the department supports updating the ordinance for clarity and efficiency but noted implementation will take time and resources; she also said that the city's towing contract will continue to provide required services even if the ordinance provisions are repealed.

After discussion, the chair recommended amending Bill 73 to the posted CD1 and to retain it in committee for further amendment and referral. The committee ordered Bill 73 CD1 amended and postponed to a date and time to be determined by the chair so that departments can reconcile language and proposed replacements.