FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5276

                                   C 20 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Requiring notice for impounded vehicle disposition.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

BACKGROUND:

Any vehicle impounded by a registered tow truck operator is considered an impound.  A tow truck operator who impounds a vehicle is responsible for notifying the legal and registered owners.  A registered owner who has completed a seller's report is relieved of liability of future claims against that vehicle.  

SUMMARY:

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.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      46    0

House 92    0

EFFECTIVE:July 28, 1991