Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1269

Brief Description:  Authorizing additional hardship waivers for vehicle owners in cases of suspended license vehicle impounds.

Sponsors:  Representatives Bush and Campbell.

Brief Summary of Bill

$An exemption from the impound law is provided for the registered owner of a vehicle if the impound has caused economic or personal hardship; the owner was not the driver of the vehicle when it was impounded; and the owner has not received a prior hardship release.

Hearing Date:  1/29/02

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background:

A vehicle driven by a person whose license is suspended can be impounded.  Under current law, if there is economic or personal hardship to the spouse of the suspended driver, an agency can issue a written order to release the vehicle to the spouse after taking into consideration public safety factors, like the driver's criminal history and driving record.  There is no provision in the current law for a hardship exemption for anyone other than the spouse.

Summary of Bill:

The registered owner of a vehicle that has been impounded while being driven by a suspended driver can obtain an order to release the vehicle if:  1) there is economic or personal hardship to the owner; 2) the owner was not the driver of the vehicle when it was impounded; and, 3) the owner has not received a prior hardship release.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 23, 2002.

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