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SB 5484

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 2 co-sponsors

The bill creates a state-funded program allowing indigent vehicle owners to have their tow releases paid by the state through RTTO reimbursements, removing liens.

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 5484

Summary — SB 5484 (2025)

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

Status: Returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading (by resolution). Introduced 01/24/2025. Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally Senators Chapman, King, J. Wilson). Effective date (if enacted): February 1, 2026.

Purpose

SB 5484 directs the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to create a program that allows registered tow truck operators (RTTOs) to release vehicles to indigent owners without collecting towing/storage fees at the time of release, and to be reimbursed by the state for those costs in specified circumstances.

Key provisions

  • New DOL-administered program: Compensates RTTOs for towing, storage, and related services when an indigent vehicle owner seeks release after a private property impound or an impound ordered by law enforcement that did not follow an arrest. Impounds following an arrest are excluded.
  • Two-part form and self‑certification:
    • Vehicle owner completes Part 1, certifying under penalty of perjury that they are the legal/registered owner, are indigent, cannot pay (or payment would be a severe hardship), and have not used the program more than once in the prior year.
    • RTTO completes Part 2, certifying under penalty of perjury that the impound meets program conditions (private property or law‑enforcement ordered, not post‑arrest) and that the applicant is the titled/registered owner. Both parties acknowledge DOL may audit/verify.
  • Release and lien waiver: Upon completion of the form, the RTTO must release the vehicle and waives any lien or deficiency claim on that vehicle.
  • Funding source and limits:
    • Reimbursements are paid from excess auction surplus funds deposited under RCW 46.55.130(2)(h) that are no longer subject to valid claims.
    • Payments are subject to availability/appropriation and are not an entitlement. If applications exceed available funds, DOL must maintain a waitlist in receipt order.
    • Substitute language places a cap: disbursements may not exceed applicable fees filed with DOL under RCW 46.55.063, inclusive of up to five days of storage.
  • Rulemaking and stakeholder input: DOL must consult stakeholders and develop rules establishing maximum reimbursement rates; the engrossed text also requires convening a stakeholder work group every two years.
  • Reporting: Annual legislative report (by October 1) detailing tow numbers, vehicles released, payments made, waitlist counts and unpaid grant amounts, and ineligible applicants with reasons.
  • Liability: DOL is shielded from civil or criminal liability related to provision or lack of funds.

Who is affected

  • Indigent vehicle owners meeting the certification criteria (may access one release per year under the program).
  • Registered tow truck operators — can release vehicles to eligible owners and apply for reimbursement in lieu of collecting payment at release.
  • Department of Licensing — implements, audits, and reports on the program.
  • State Motor Vehicle Fund — source of reimbursements is surplus auction proceeds; fiscal impact depends on available surplus and appropriations.

Administrative / procedural notes

  • DOL must provide the program form to RTTOs and require RTTOs to include program information in initial impound notices and in redemption materials for eligible impounds.
  • The bill amends RCW 46.55.115 and 46.55.120 to reflect that a release under the program removes lien rights.
  • Fiscal note available; no appropriation included in the bill text.
  • Legislative activity: Passed House (3/12/25, 47–0), substituted/amended, public hearings and committee actions in March–April 2025; currently returned to Senate Rules for third reading.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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