Title: An act relating to donation of unclaimed personal property to nonprofit charitable organizations.

Brief Description: Authorizing donation of unclaimed personal property to nonprofit charitable organizations.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Tom, Morrell, Springer, Curtis, Ormsby, Kagi, Eickmeyer, Kenney and Darneille.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/17/05, 3/21/05, 2/22/06 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Fairley, Haugen, Kline and Pridemore.

Staff: Cindy Fazio (786-7405)

Background: Washington law has a detailed statutory scheme for the disposition of lost and/or unclaimed personal property by police departments, county sheriffs, and the state patrol. The regulations governing these law enforcement agencies are similar, each containing procedures for the disposition of unclaimed property that include:

• notice requirements to the owner, if the owner has been identified;
• sale of unclaimed property at auction;
• destruction of certain types of property (e.g., dangerous, illegal, or worthless items); and
• retention of the property by the law enforcement agency under certain circumstances.

Additionally, county sheriffs, and local police departments may donate unclaimed bicycles, tricycles, and toys to nonprofit charitable organizations.

Summary of Bill: The state patrol, county sheriffs, and local police agencies may donate any unclaimed personal property to nonprofit charitable organizations provided such property is used for the benefit of needy persons.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: No one.