The bill amends RCW 46.55.130 to establish a minimum bid for abandoned recreational vehicles sold at auction. Specifically, it stipulates that if the vehicle being auctioned is classified as a recreational vehicle—defined as a camper, motor home, or travel trailer—the minimum starting bid must be set at $1,000 or the total amount of the registered tow truck operator's lien on the vehicle at the time of the auction, whichever is lower. Additionally, the bill modifies various numerical references throughout the text, changing terms like "fifteen" to "15" and "twenty-five" to "25" for clarity and consistency.
The bill also outlines the procedures for conducting public auctions of abandoned vehicles, ensuring that all bidders have equal opportunities to participate. It mandates that the auction be held during daylight hours and specifies the duration of the public viewing period based on the number of vehicles being auctioned. Furthermore, it includes provisions for the handling of surplus funds from the auction and the responsibilities of the registered tow truck operator in the event of no bids or if the operator is the successful bidder. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the auction process for abandoned vehicles while providing specific guidelines for recreational vehicles.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 46.55.130