HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 669

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Zellinsky, Schmidt, Walk, Hargrove, C. Smith, Jacobsen, Fisch, Kremen, Fisher, Vekich, Hine, Gallagher, Scott, Haugen, Nutley, Beck, Bumgarner, Nealey, Ferguson, Hankins, Day, Dellwo, Meyers, S. Wilson, Basich, Patrick, Jesernig, P. King, May, Grant, Winsley and Betrozoff)

Authorizing law enforcement agencies to donate unclaimed bicycles to charitable organizations.

House Committe on Local Government

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. (12)

     Signed by Representatives Haugen, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Beck, Bumgarner, Ferguson, Hine, Nealey, Nelson, Nutley, Rayburn, L. Smith and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Steve Lundin (786-7127)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Whenever unclaimed personal property that is not held as evidence, other than abandoned motor vehicles, is in the possession of a sheriff's office or city police office for a period of sixty days, the property may be disposed of as follows: (1) sell it at a public auction; (2) retain it for use by the sheriff's office or police office; (3) destroy it under certain circumstances; or (4) use it for purposes of trade to bona fide dealers when acquiring law enforcement equipment.

SUMMARY:

City police authorities and the county sheriff are authorized to donate unclaimed bicycles, tricycles, and toys to nonprofit charitable organizations for use by needy persons.

The bill contains a severability clause.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Representative Zellinsky, Prime Sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against: Officer George Minnich, King County Police.

House Committee - Testimony For:     "Toys for Tots" and other good groups should be able to use these toys.  Why destroy them?

House Committee - Testimony Against: How do we decide which charity to give the items to?  Another bill in the Senate addresses unclaimed property.