HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1049

                       As Passed House

                       March 12, 1991

Title:  An act relating to seized liquor.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the disposal of seized liquor by the agency seizing the liquor.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Cole, Fuhrman, Heavey, Holland, Vance and Winsley; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Commerce & Labor, February 12, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 94-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Heavey, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fuhrman, Ranking Minority Member; Lisk, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Franklin; Jones; R. King; O'Brien; Prentice; Vance; and Wilson.

Staff:  Jim Kelley (786-7166).

Background:  When liquor is seized pursuant to a warrant by a local law enforcement agency or the Washington State Patrol, the entity must report the seizure to the Liquor Control Board and deliver the liquor to the board.  This has resulted in law enforcement agencies having to store liquor until a board enforcement officer is available to receive it.

Summary of Bill:  Law enforcement agencies are required to dispose of liquor seized pursuant to a warrant or an arrest.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of regular session.

Testimony For:  This bill is needed for administrative efficiency.  When liquor is seized, it becomes evidence.  Therefore, the handling of the liquor is controlled by the rules of evidence.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:    Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board.