WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 1653

HB 1653: Tow truck payments/indigent

Concerning payments to tow truck operators for the release of vehicles to indigent citizens.

Summary

  • Directs the Department of Licensing (DOL) to create a program to compensate registered tow truck operators (RTTOs) for the cost of towing, storage, and other services incurred during the towing of an indigent person's vehicle, when the tow was done on private property or at the direction of law enforcement not following an arrest.
  • Requires the eligibility of the program to be based on self-certification of eligibility by both the individual seeking the release of a vehicle from impound and the RTTO, on a form to be provided by the DOL.
  • States that a RTTO must release the vehicle upon the completion of the form by the RTTO.

From the House Bill Analysis 2025 (HB 1653), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedJan 28, 2025
  2. Out of committeeFeb 14, 2025
  3. Passed Housestopped here
  4. Passed Senate
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Brandy Donaghy (D-44)
Introduced
January 28, 2025 in the House
Last action
January 12, 2026
Companion bill
SB 5484
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
HB 1653, SHB 1653

AN ACT Relating to payments to tow truck operators for the release of vehicles to indigent citizens;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Brandy Donaghy (D-44)

14 co-sponsors (11 Democrats, 3 Republicans)

Andrew Barkis R-2Sam Low R-39Lisa Parshley D-22Alex Ramel D-40Edwin Obras D-33Shelley Kloba D-1Clyde Shavers D-10Mary Fosse D-38April Berg D-44Jamila Taylor D-30Carolyn Eslick R-39Timm Ormsby D-3Mia Gregerson D-33Tarra Simmons D-23

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SHB 1653)
  2. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. (SHB 1653)
  3. Referred to Transportation. (SHB 1653)
  4. Referred to Transportation.
  5. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration.
  6. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  7. Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 1653)
  8. Referred to Rules 2 Review.
  9. TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 1653)
  10. TR - Executive action taken by committee.
  11. TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  12. First reading, referred to Transportation.

HB 1653 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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