HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5348

BYSenators Conner, Peterson, Patterson, Halsan and Garrett; by request of Department of Licensing

Permitting hulk haulers to verify vehicle ownership from department of licensing records.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (29)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Brough, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, Dellwo, Doty, Fisch, Fisher, Gallagher, Hankins, Haugen, Heavey, Kremen, Meyers, Prince, Schmidt, C. Smith, D. Sommers, Spanel, Sutherland, Todd, Vekich, J. Williams, K. Wilson, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Terry Michalson (786-7315)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 8, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 following a federal court decision which found the state's owner notification process lacking of due process, the legislature adopted a procedure for disposition for junk vehicles.

Currently within RCW 46.55 there are provisions for the landowner to provide notice and to have the junk vehicle removed from their property.

In addition to the RCW 46.55 procedure, there exists authority within RCW 46.79 to have the landowner or custodian of the junk vehicle to sign a release of interest and the vehicle may be disposed of by a hulk hauler or scrap processor.

SUMMARY:

The language which authorizes a release of interest by the custodian is removed.  Disposal of junk vehicles may occur by providing a release of interest by the registered owner, or an affidavit of sale by the landowner who has complied with the notice requirements in 46.55.230.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Heather Hamilton, Department of Licensing.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The effect of the bill is to insure that a landowner, as one means of establishing ownership, provide an affidavit of sale for a vehicle which has been requested to be removed by a hulk hauler.  The landowner must comply with state law regarding the notification of the Department of Licensing which notifies the legal owner of the vehicle.  This procedure will reduce cases where landowners have removed vehicles without notification to the vehicle owner.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.