HB 2652 - DIGEST

     Provides that a transfer of ownership is perfected by a report of sale that has been properly addressed and deposited postpaid in the United States mail and is deemed to have been received by the department on the date of the mailing.  It is presumed that the date shown by the post office cancellation mark on the envelope is the date of mailing.

     Declares that a person who causes a cancellation mark to reflect a date earlier than the actual date of mailing is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 9.92.030.

     Provides that, if a suspended license impound has been ordered, the impounding towing operator shall notify the legal and registered owners of the suspended license impound of the vehicle and the owners of any other items of personal property registered or titled with the department.

     Requires that, for a vehicle that is impounded by a registered tow truck operator under RCW 46.55.080, 46.55.085, 46.55.113, or 9A.88.140, an agency shall provide the opportunity to submit a written request for release of the vehicle on the basis of economic or personal hardship.

     Provides that, if a vehicle is released to the owner under this act, the owner has a cause of action against the operator of the vehicle for any removal, towing, storage, or other impoundment fees, reasonable damages for loss of the use of the vehicle during the time the vehicle was impounded, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs paid by the owner to gain the release of the vehicle.