Brief Description: Limiting access to law enforcement and emergency equipment and vehicles.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilmer, Lantz and Ericks.

Hearing Date: 1/16/06

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

In statute, the definition of an authorized emergency vehicle is any vehicle of any fire department, police department, sheriff's office, coroner, prosecuting attorney, Washington State Patrol, ambulance service, public or private. A person or entity wanting to have a vehicle registered as an authorized emergency vehicle will apply to the Washington State Patrol to have the vehicle classified as an emergency vehicle. The Washington State Patrol also has the authority to make rules and regulations relating to emergency vehicles.

The majority of emergency vehicles are manufactured by the vehicle manufacturers and then the emergency equipment and designations are added by the purchasing entity or a business that provides that service.

When an emergency vehicle has reached the end of its useful life to the entity, the vehicle is disposed of through sale, auction, donation, transfer or can be scrapped.

A person can be guilty of criminal impersonation in the second degree if the person claims to be a law enforcement officer or creates an impression that he or she is a law enforcement officer.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to a public agency, a business, entity, or person cannot sell or give emergency vehicle lighting equipment or other equipment to a person who lawfully can not operate the equipment on public streets and highways.

Prior to selling or giving an emergency vehicle to a person or entity that is not a state or local law enforcement or emergency agency, the seller or donor must remove all emergency lighting, radios, decals, law enforcement designations, and other emergency equipment that was not originally installed by the original vehicle manufacturer.

If the emergency equipment is not sold to another state or law enforcement or emergency agency, the equipment must be dismantled with the individual parts being recycled or destroyed prior to being disposed of.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.