Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2353
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: Allowing lunch breaks for registered tow truck operators while requiring reasonable availability.
Sponsors: Representatives Liias and Condotta.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/18/12
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
Tow truck operators who impound vehicles from private or public property and/or tow for law enforcement agencies must be registered with the Department of Licensing (Department). Impounds, i.e., the taking and holding of a vehicle in legal custody without the consent of the owner, may only be performed by registered tow truck operators (operators). If on public property, the impound is at the direction of a law enforcement officer; if the vehicle is on private property, the impound is at the direction of the property owner or his agent.Certain requirements apply regarding an operator's business location. An operator's business location must have a sign displaying the firm's name that is readable from the street. An operator must post information at the business location, including towing and storage charges, vehicle redemption procedure and rights, and information as to where complaints can be directed.On a day when an operator holds the towing services open for business, the business office must remain open with personnel present who are able to release impounded vehicles. The normal business hours of a towing service must be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. An operator must maintain personnel who can be contacted 24 hours a day to release impounded vehicles within a reasonable time.
Summary of Bill:
An operator may close the business office for a lunch break, not to exceed one hour. The operator, must however, post a notice, visible from the outside, providing a telephone number at which personnel able to release impounded vehicles may be contacted to respond in a reasonable time.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.