Bill > SB5484

This bill establishes a new program to help indigent individuals recover vehicles that have been impounded through private property tows or law enforcement-directed tows (excluding post-arrest impounds). Under the program, individuals seeking to release their vehicle must be the legal owner, be considered indigent, demonstrate an inability to pay towing fees or that payment would cause severe hardship, and have not used the program more than once in the past year. Tow truck operators can seek compensation from the department for these releases by completing a two-part form where both the vehicle owner and the tow operator self-certify their eligibility under penalty of perjury. The program will use excess funds from existing vehicle-related deposits, but funding is not guaranteed and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with a waitlist if funds are exhausted. The department must develop reimbursement rules in consultation with stakeholders, provide an annual report to the legislature detailing program usage, and ensure tow truck operators inform potentially eligible individuals about the program. Importantly, tow operators who release vehicles under this program cannot subsequently pursue a lien or deficiency claim on the vehicle, providing a meaningful relief mechanism for financially vulnerable vehicle owners.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5484&Year=2025&Initiative=false