Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1620

Brief Description:  Allowing tow truck operators to refuse payment by personal check.

Sponsors:  Representatives Delvin, O'Brien, Mielke, Kirby, Ericksen, Esser, Lovick, Cooper, B. Chandler, Ruderman, Mulliken and Dunn.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Impounded vehicles or property can only be redeemed by paying cash or by using a major bank credit card.

$Personal checks cannot be used to redeem impounded vehicles or property.

Hearing Date:  2/21/01

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background: 

Persons redeeming their vehicles or property from impound can obtain the vehicle or property from the person having custody by paying the costs of towing, storage, and other services rendered.  Currently, payment can be made by cash, major bank credit card issued by financial institutions, or by personal check.  Personal checks must be accompanied by two pieces of identification, one of which may be required to be a photo ID.  The towing company may refuse to accept the check if it cannot determine that the check would be paid.

Some tow truck operators want to be able, by law, to refuse to accept checks from persons redeeming their vehicles or property.

Summary of Bill: 

The registered owners of vehicles or of items of personal property that have been impounded can redeem those vehicles or property only by paying cash or by using a major bank credit card issued by financial institutions.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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