Title: An act relating to the impoundment of vehicles by police officers.

Brief Description: Addressing the impoundment of vehicles parked on public streets by police officers.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Goodman, Rodne, O'Brien, Jarrett, Lovick and Priest).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/12/07, 90-8.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/22/07, 3/26/07 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kilmer and Spanel.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Clements, Kauffman and Sheldon.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: A police officer is allowed by statute to take custody of a motor vehicle and have it impounded under the following circumstances:

• if the vehicle's driver is arrested for certain offenses or taken into custody;
• when the officer finds the vehicle unattended upon a highway where the vehicle is an obstruction to traffic or jeopardizes public safety;
• when the vehicle is stolen;
• when the vehicle is illegally parked; and
• upon a determination that a person is operating the vehicle without a valid driver's license.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The list of circumstances under which a police officer may take custody of a motor vehicle and have it impounded is expanded to include vehicles parked on a public street that have a registration that expired more than 45 days previously.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help get clunkers that aren't being driven out of parking spaces so that others can use the space.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Goodman, prime sponsor; Tom Parker, City of Spokane.