The bill amends RCW 63.26.040 to update the procedures for museums and historical societies regarding unclaimed property. It specifies that when a museum or society must notify the last known owner of abandoned property or the termination of a loan, they are required to send an initial notice via certified mail. If there is no address on record or if the notice is not acknowledged within 30 days, the museum or society must provide notice through various methods, including posting on their website, sending emails, using social media, and physically posting in public spaces. The bill also extends the duration of the notice publication from two to three consecutive weeks.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new process for handling property found without donor documentation or abandoned property where the donor's identity is unknown. This process includes an "unknown donor notification" that must be made public through similar methods as the initial notice. The notification must contain a general description of the property, a request for any claims of ownership, and a statement that if no claims are received within 90 days, the property will be deemed donated to the museum or society. This amendment aims to ensure that museums and historical societies follow a clear and transparent process for managing unclaimed property.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 63.26.040