HB 1558-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Revises RCW 46.55.120 to provide that an impounded vehicle must not be released to any person until the registered owner establishes with the agency ordering the impound or the court having jurisdiction that any penalties, fines, or forfeitures as a result of the impoundment owed by him or her have been satisfied.

     Declares that registered tow truck operators are not liable for damages if they rely in good faith on an order from the impounding agency or a court in releasing a vehicle held under a suspended license impound.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1558-S

                   May 13, 1999

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Substitute House Bill No. 1558 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to release of impounded vehicles;"

     Substitute House Bill No. 1558 attempted to provide an alternative means of verifying that a driver whose car was impounded for driving with a suspended license has paid the necessary penalties to recover the car.  However, the bill was flawed in drafting.

     SHB 1558 would have made the necessary amendments to one subsection of the relevant statute, but failed to do so in another subsection.  That drafting error defeats the intent of the legislation.  Fortunately, the goal of SHB 1558 is achieved in another bill, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5649, which I plan to sign into law. 

     For these reasons I have vetoed Substitute House Bill No. 1558 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor