Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1269

Brief Description:  Authorizing additional hardship waivers for vehicle owners in cases of suspended license vehicle impounds.

Sponsors:  Representatives Bush and Campbell.

Brief Summary of Bill

$An exemption from the impound law is provided for the registered owner of a vehicle if the impound has caused economic or personal hardship; the owner was not the driver of the vehicle when it was impounded; and the owner has not received a prior hardship release.

Hearing Date:  2/21/01

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background: 

A vehicle driven by a person whose license is suspended can be impounded.  Under current law, if there is economic or personal hardship to the spouse of the suspended driver, an agency can issue a written order to release the vehicle to the spouse after taking into consideration public safety factors, like the driver=s criminal history and driving record.  There is no provision in the current law for a hardship exemption for anyone other than the spouse.

Summary of Bill: 

The registered owner of a vehicle that has been impounded while being driven by a suspended driver can obtain an order to release the vehicle if 1) there is economic or personal hardship to the owner; 2) the owner was not the driver of the vehicle when it was impounded; and 3) the owner has not received a prior hardship release.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.