FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6614

C 250 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Removing the damages floor for unauthorized impounds.

Sponsors: Senators Poulsen, Murray, Hewitt, Sheahan and Brown.

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: Under current law, if a person believes that his or her vehicle has been impounded in violation of state law, he or she has a right to a hearing in district or municipal court to contest the impoundment. If the court rules the impoundment to be improper, the registered and legal owners of the vehicle do not have to pay the cost for impoundment, towing, or storage fees. The person or agency who authorized the impoundment is liable for the impoundment, towing, and storage fees. In addition, the court shall enter judgment in favor of the registered and legal owners of the vehicle for the amount of the filing fee, as well as reasonable damages for loss of the use of the vehicle during the time the vehicle was impounded, for not less than $50 a day, against the person or agency authorizing the impound.

Summary: The $50 a day minimum is removed from a court judgment for loss of use of the vehicle during an improper impound.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       92  3    (House amended)

Senate                   (Senate refused to concur)

House       92  5    (House receded)

Effective: June 10, 2004