The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to unclaimed property held by museums and historical societies. Key changes include the requirement for museums and societies to send an initial notice of abandonment or loan termination via certified mail to the last known owner, and if no address is available or proof of receipt is not obtained within 30 days, they must provide notice through various methods such as posting on their website, social media, or physical locations. The notice must include a description of the unclaimed property, the owner's name and address, and a request for any information regarding the owner. If no claim is made within 90 days of the third notice, the property will be deemed abandoned or donated to the museum or society.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for handling property found without donor documentation, requiring museums to notify the public through similar methods. It clarifies that property held for five years or more without a claim is considered abandoned and becomes the property of the museum or society after proper notice. The amendments also specify that if no assertion of title is made within 90 days of the third notice, the title to the property vests in the museum or society, free from any claims by the original owner.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 63.26.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 63.26.040, 63.26.020, 63.26.030, 63.26.050