SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6347

BYSenators Nelson, Thorsness, Patterson, Madsen, Patrick, Hansen and Johnson

Revising regulation of motor vehicle wreckers.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6347 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, Conner, DeJarnatt, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Nelson, Patrick, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

A motor vehicle wrecker is a person who deals in vehicles for the purpose of wrecking, dismantling, or substantially changing the form of any vehicle.  In addition, a motor vehicle wrecker license authorizes the licensee to deal in second-hand parts.

Motor vehicles wreckers are inspected by the city police in cities of under 5,000 and by the Washington State Patrol in cities over 5,000 people.

The original registration fee is $25 with a $10 annual renewal fee.

A $1,000 surety bond is required.  Wreckers are issued special license plates by the Department of Licensing.

SUMMARY:

The term "second-hand parts" is deleted from the definition of a wrecker.  The $1,000 bond requirement is deleted.  The original registration is increased from $25 to $500 and the annual renewal fee is increased from $10 to $100.

The identity of the buyer of a complete unit is required to be maintained in the wrecker files.

A wrecker is allowed to purchase vehicles if the seller can furnish proof of ownership as established in rule by the Department of Licensing.

Only a wrecker may purchase a vehicle sold at a salvage pool using insurance company bills.

Ownership documents are not required until the wrecker dismantles or resells the vehicle.

A wrecker is allowed to display five vehicles and vehicle parts outside the fenced area.

A wrecker may sell a vehicle for rebuilding purposes.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The substitute is the same as the original, except that regulation of second-hand parts and the surety bond requirement are restored.

In addition, the exclusion of people other than wreckers from buying at a salvage pool is deleted.

Current statutory language is restored which requires a title document before a vehicle can be acquired by a wrecker.

The language in the original bill which allowed a wrecker to display parts outside the fence is modified.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 17, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Nelson, prime sponsor; Heather Hamilton, DOL; Rick Jensen, WSP; Sgt. Don Kohler, WSP; Don Fitzpatrick, Jr., Auto Recyclers of Washington; Steve White, Western Washington Auto Dismantlers Association