Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Environmental Health

HB 2817

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning motor vehicles, vehicles, and vessels contaminated with methamphetamines.

Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Green, Morrell, Hudgins and McCune.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the city or county in which a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel contaminated with methamphetamine chemicals is located to take action to prohibit use, occupancy, or removal, and require demolition, or disposal.
  • Requires the owner to have a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel contaminated with methamphetamine chemicals to be demolished or disposed of by an authorized contractor within 30 days of receiving notice.
  • Makes it illegal to advertise for sale or to sell a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel that has been declared unfit and prohibited from use if the person has knowledge that the vehicle or vessel has been found to be contaminated with methamphetamine chemicals.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).

Background:

The hazardous chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine can contaminate vehicles, motor vehicles, and vessels. Innocent members of the public can be harmed by the residue left by these chemicals when the contaminated properties are subsequently sold and used without having been decontaminated. Personal property sold at public auction under towing and impoundment statutes has the potential to expose prospective purchasers to contamination.

Summary of Bill:

If an order is issued declaring a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel, unfit and prohibiting its use and methamphetamine is found inside, the city or county in which the property is located must take action to prohibit use, occupancy, or removal; and must require demolition or disposal of the property.

In the case where the contaminated property is a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel and methamphetamine is found inside:

The property owner is responsible for the costs of the property's demolition and disposal expenses, as well as costs incurred by the local health officer or the local law enforcement agency resulting from the enforcement of this chapter.

It is unlawful for any person to advertise for sale or to sell a vehicle, motor vehicle, or vessel that has been declared unfit and prohibited from use if the person has knowledge that the vehicle or vessel has been found to be contaminated with methamphetamine.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2008.

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