SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SHB 2629

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

Brief Description:  Revising the definition of junk vehicle.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives R. Fisher, Appelwick, Campbell, Sommers, Edmondson and Dorn)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Vognild, Chairman; Skratek, Vice Chairman; Haugen, Morton, Nelson, Oke, Prentice, Prince, M. Rasmussen, Schow, Sellar, Sheldon and Winsley.

Staff:  Brad Lovaas (786‑7307)

Hearing Dates: February 21, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In order for a vehicle to meet the statutory definition of a "junk vehicle," it must meet five requirements.  Those requirements include that the vehicle:  (1) is three years old or older; (2) is extensively damaged; (3) is apparently inoperable; (4) is without a valid, current registration plate; and (5) has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

SUMMARY:

The definition of a junk vehicle is changed in two ways.  First, the requirement that a vehicle must be without a valid, current registration plate is deleted.  Secondly, a vehicle must meet only three of the four remaining criteria in order to be classified as a junk vehicle by law enforcement.

In addition, a city is authorized to provide for payment to tow truck operators or wreckers for the removal of vehicles as part of a community revitalization plan.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Will help city and community clean up the junk vehicles which are cluttering up the community.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Gary Pederson, City of Tacoma; Darlena Gray, Hilltop Action Committee; Carl Turner, City of Tacoma; Jack Pleasant, Tacoma Neighborhood Council