Bill empowers police

OLYMPIA — A bill strengthening the law against abandoned cars passed through the state House of Representatives Monday.

"Auto-ranching has become a real public safety issue," Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, said. "These rundown cars and trucks are just left to clog up our community roads, cause headaches for local police and become community eyesores."

The bill allows police officers to immediately impound abandoned vehicles if they are on public property. It would eliminate the issue of people moving their vehicle around to different areas to avoid impoundment, he said. Vehicles with registrations expired for at least 45 days are subject to impoundment according to the bill.

"These car owners keep giving police the run-around, doing just enough to keep their car from being impounded," Goodman said. "This authorization will free up law enforcement for more important matters."

If a junk vehicle is located on city property in Moses Lake, the last registered owner is required to remove the vehicle within 15 days, according to city documents. If the vehicle is not removed, the owner must pay administrative expenses and moving expenses.

The state Senate will hear the bill next as it makes its way to becoming law.