HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2374
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Public Safety
Title: An act relating to donation of unclaimed property by law enforcement agencies.
Brief Description: Concerning donation of unclaimed property by law enforcement agencies.
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Goodman, Eslick and Haler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Public Safety: 1/15/18, 1/25/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Goodman, Chair; Pellicciotti, Vice Chair; Klippert, Ranking Minority Member; Hayes, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Chapman, Griffey, Holy, Orwall, Pettigrew and Van Werven.
Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).
Background:
State law prescribes different requirements and methods for disposing of unclaimed property possessed by law enforcement agencies. City or town police authorities, sheriffs, and the Washington State Patrol may donate unclaimed personal property to nonprofit charitable organizations. Organizations receiving the donated property must use the property, or its proceeds, to benefit needy persons. Additionally, organizations receiving the property must qualify for tax exempt status under the Federal Internal Revenue Code.
For the purpose of laws relating to unclaimed property at museums or historical societies, "museum or historical society" means an institution operated by a nonprofit corporation, nonprofit association, or public agency, primarily educational, scientific, historic, or aesthetic in purpose, which owns, borrows, studies, or cares for tangible objects, including archives, and exhibits them as appropriate.
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Summary of Bill:
City or town police authorities, county sheriffs, and the Washington State Patrol may also donate unclaimed personal property to museums or historical societies.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill addresses the concerns of law enforcement agencies in possession of antique and other historical unclaimed property. For example, one agency has a diary from the 1800s. Current law limits the options as to how to transfer and dispose of unclaimed property. Law enforcement agencies are left with the choice of either storing or destroying these items. Instead, the bill allows law enforcement agencies to donate these items to museums and historical societies.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hayes, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.