SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1217

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE, MARCH 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Allowing seized liquor to be used for training and investigations.

SPONSORS: Representatives Springer, Heavey, Chandler, King and Shin; by request of Liquor Control Board

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Moore, Chairman; Prentice, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Cantu, Fraser, Newhouse, Pelz, Prince, Sutherland, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786‑7430)

Hearing Dates: March 24, 1993; March 25, 1993

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.  Law enforcement agencies must store the liquor until a board enforcement officer is available to receive it.

The board has been asked by law enforcement agencies to aid them by providing alcoholic beverages for breathalyzer training programs.  However, the board has not done so because it has no statutory authority to provide liquor to law enforcement agencies for training.

SUMMARY:

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

The board may provide liquor at no charge, including seized or forfeited liquor, to recognized law enforcement agencies for training or investigation purposes.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will allow for the efficient disposal of seized liquor by local law enforcement agencies.  In addition, it will allow the board to provide liquor to law enforcement agencies for needed training and sting operations.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board (pro)