by
<a href="mailto:sharons@awcnet.org">Sharon Swanson</a>, <a href="mailto:shannonm@awcnet.org">Shannon McClelland</a> | Apr 01, 2019
<a target="_blank" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5652&Year=2019&Initiative=false"><strong>SB 5652</strong></a>, sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato (R–Auburn), proposes changes to how personal belongings are handled when a vehicle is impounded.
SB 5652, sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato (R–Auburn), proposes changes to how personal belongings are handled when a vehicle is impounded. Current law requires that unclaimed personal property be turned over to local law enforcement when the vehicle is sold at auction. Unclaimed property law then governs its disposal.
SB 5652 makes several changes, including removing local law enforcement as a custodian of unclaimed belongings:
- Requires that a notice of impound also include a personal belongings storage request form to notify the registered vehicle owner that their personal belongings will be held at the registered tow truck operator’s (RTTO) place of business for 30 days (an additional 30 days of storage is also allowed by request of the owner); and
- After either 30 or 60 days, the unclaimed belongings are considered abandoned. The RTTO may dispose of the belongings at its discretion, including sold with the vehicle at auction to satisfy the towing and storage lien.
The bill had a hearing in the House Transportation Committee and must pass out of that committee by April 3 to stay alive this session.