SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6356

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 19, 2010

Title: An act relating to limiting access to law enforcement and emergency equipment and vehicles.

Brief Description: Limiting access to law enforcement and emergency equipment and vehicles.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Swecker, Rockefeller and Kastama.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/18/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: Public agencies are prohibited from selling or giving emergency vehicle equipment to someone that is not allowed to use that equipment on public streets.

Summary of Bill: Prior to selling or giving an emergency vehicle to a non-law enforcement or emergency agency including private ambulance businesses, the public agency must remove the emergency lighting, radios, and any other emergency equipment from the vehicle that was not originally installed by the manufacturer. The equipment may be retained or transferred to another public law enforcement or emergency agency or it must be destroyed. The agency must also remove all decals, state and local designated law enforcement colors, and stripes that were not installed by the manufacturer. The sale or donation to a broker specializing in the resale of emergency vehicles or a charitable organization for use by a public law enforcement or emergency agency is allowed with the emergency equipment intact. If the broker or charitable organization sells or donates the emergency vehicle to a person or entity that is not a public law enforcement or emergency agency, or private ambulance business, the broker or charitable organization must remove the equipment and designations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2010.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help prevent people from being able to impersonate police officers. The ability for people to impersonate law enforcement weakens the public's trust of law enforcement and creates a safety risk to the public.

OTHER: This bill does not affect towing and there are concerns that this would prohibit towers from using their red flashing lights. In some cases the after market equipment added to the vehicle does not mark it as a law enforcement vehicle and could be safely left on the vehicle.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Pat Jones, Retired Kitsap County Sheriff; Scott Hazlegrove, Washington State Auto Dealers Association; Angela Langer, citizen.

OTHER: Stu Halsan, Towing and Recovery Association.