SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6146

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.

As of January 24, 2014

Title: An act relating to county electronic public auctions.

Brief Description: Concerning county electronic public auctions.

Sponsors: Senators Cleveland and Benton.

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 1/27/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: Counties may conduct public auctions to sell property in tax foreclosure proceedings. California law authorizes counties to conduct tax foreclosure auctions over the Internet. Washington law does not explicitly authorize counties to do so.

Summary of Bill: A county treasurer may conduct a public auction via the Internet or other electronic media. A public auction conducted by electronic media must allow bids to be submitted by computer and enable the county treasurer to accept bids for as long as the treasurer deems necessary. The treasurer may accept electronic funds transfers for payment. The treasurer may require a good faith deposit from a participant. Deposits from a winning bidder must be applied to the balance due. If the winning bidder does not follow the terms of sale, the deposit is forfeited and credited to the treasurer's operations and maintenance fund. Deposits for nonwinning bids must be refunded within ten business days.

All property sold is offered and sold as is. The treasurer is not liable for conditions of the property, including but not limited to errors in the assessor's records, or for failure of a device not owned, operated, and managed by the county that prevents a person from participating in any sale.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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