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WA HB1653
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/28/2025
Primary Sponsor
Brandy Donaghy
Click for details
AI Summary
- Department of Licensing must create a program to compensate registered tow truck operators for releasing impounded vehicles to indigent owners who cannot afford towing and storage fees, limited to once per year per applicant
- Applies to private property impounds and law enforcement-directed impounds, but excludes vehicles impounded following the owner's arrest
- Funding comes from excess funds deposited under RCW 46.55.130(2)(h) that are no longer subject to valid claims; payment is subject to fund availability with a waitlist maintained if applications exceed available funds
- Tow truck operators releasing vehicles under the program waive any lien or deficiency claim on the vehicle, and both vehicle owners and tow operators must self-certify eligibility under penalty of perjury
- Department must submit annual report to legislature by October 1st detailing program usage, including number of vehicles released, funds distributed, waitlist size, and reasons for any ineligibility; effective date is February 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Concerning payments to tow truck operators for the release of vehicles to indigent citizens.
Last Action
Referred to Transportation.
1/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Transportation1/12/2026
Rules2/14/2025
Transportation1/28/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available