HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5276

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to impounded vehicles.

Brief Description:  Requiring notice for impounded vehicle disposition.

Sponsor(s):  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Moore, Thorsness and Oke).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Transportation, March 27, 1991, DP;

Passed House, April 9, 1991, 92-0;

Passed Legislature, 92-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 22 members:  Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Brough; Cantwell; Cooper; G. Fisher; Forner; Haugen; Horn; P. Johnson; R. Johnson; Jones; Kremen; Mitchell; Nelson; Orr; Prentice; Prince; Schmidt; and Zellinsky.

Staff:  Brad Lovaas (786-7307).

Background:  Tow truck service is defined as any vehicle transported by a tow truck operator.  A tow truck operator who impounds a vehicle is responsible for notifying the legal and registered owners.  Current law authorizes no less than a $50 per day judgment against anyone who authorizes an invalid impound.  A registered owner who has completed a seller's report is relieved of liability of future claims against that vehicle.  Any vehicle impounded by a registered tow truck operator is considered an impound.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington State Patrol's authority over vehicles in a tow truck operator's possession is limited to those that were impounded.

Current statutory language relating to law enforcement release of vehicle owner information to a registered tow truck operator is revised.  The term "immediately" is changed to within 6-12 hours of the impound.

Language is clarified on the filing of a seller's report to ensure that someone who has lawfully filed a seller's report is not liable for towing and storage fees.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The bill would refine and streamline current statute.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Al Runte, Washington Tow Truck Association; and Heather Hamilton, Department of Licensing.