Bill > HB2359

This bill: - Establishes additional procedures and protections for impounded vehicles that are used as a "vehicle residence," which is defined as a vehicle used as a home, residence, shelter, or homestead. This includes requirements that impound agencies consider alternatives to impoundment, provide written notice and opportunities for a hearing, and avoid public auction procedures for vehicle residences. - Reenacts and amends the definition of "abandoned vehicle" in RCW 46.55.010 to include the new "vehicle residence" definition and clarify that vehicle residences are not considered abandoned. - Amends various sections of RCW 46.55 to incorporate the new procedures for impounding and redeeming vehicle residences, including requirements for tow truck operators, provisions for impound hearings, and limitations on accruing storage fees. - Exempts vehicle residences from the public auction procedures for abandoned vehicles in RCW 46.55.130. - Allows courts to lower impound and storage fees if they are found to be excessive, taking into account the individual's ability to pay. - Provides that if an impound is found to be invalid, the state or local government must pay the remaining impound and storage costs to the tow truck operator.