SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5863
As Passed Senate, February 9, 2022
Title: An act relating to the removal of vehicles by a regional transit authority when obstructing the operation of high capacity transportation vehicles or jeopardizing public safety.
Brief Description: Concerning the removal of vehicles by a regional transit authority when obstructing the operation of high capacity transportation vehicles or jeopardizing public safety.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Salda?a, Liias, Lovick, Nguyen and Wilson, C.).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/25/22, 2/03/22 [DPS].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 2/9/22, 48-1.
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill
  • Allows Regional Transit Authority (RTA) representatives to direct an immediate tow of unauthorized vehicles on or within an RTA right of way. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5863 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Hawkins, Holy, Lovelett, Lovick, Nguyen, Nobles, Padden, Randall, Sheldon, Wilson, C. and Wilson, J.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background:

Unauthorized vehicles may be impounded by a registered tow truck operator at the direction of a law enforcement officer or other public official with jurisdiction if the vehicle is on public property, or at the direction of the property owner or an agent if it is on private property.  A vehicle is deemed unauthorized if it is left unattended in certain public or private locations for specified periods of time.  
Summary of First Substitute Bill:

An authorized Regional Transit Authority (RTA) representative may direct an immediate impoundment of an unauthorized vehicle on or within ten feet on either side of a right of way used by an RTA for high capacity transportation where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to the operation of high capacity transportation vehicles or jeopardizes public safety.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute:

PRO:  This bill would help free up law enforcement for more important matters.  It also helps to make tows more efficient regarding abandoned vehicles on Sound Transit right of way.   
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Prime Sponsor; Alex Soldano, Sound Transit.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.