SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1049

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, APRIL 5, 1991

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

SPONSORS:Representatives Cole, Fuhrman, Heavey, Holland, Vance and Winsley; by request of Liquor Control Board.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, McCaslin, McDonald, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek. 

Staff:  Traci Anderson (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991; April 5, 1991

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 for disposal.  This has resulted in law enforcement agencies having to store liquor until a board enforcement officer is available to receive it.

SUMMARY:

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

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Current law makes it difficult for local law enforcement agencies to dispose of seized liquor in a timely manner.  This bill will improve the ability of these local agencies to dispose of such goods in a timely fashion.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Representative Grace Cole, prime sponsor; Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board