HB 1240 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning vehicle impounds.

HB 1240 creates special protections for vehicles used as residences in Washington, directly affecting people living in their cars due to housing insecurity and poverty. The bill requires tow operators to halt public auctions if a vehicle is identified as a residence, provides written notice of redemption rights, and mandates a 90-day window for owners to claim their vehicle before auction. It also requires government entities to cover storage costs for impounded vehicle residences and prohibits disposal of personal belongings without owner request. These changes aim to prevent permanent loss of shelter and unaffordable debt for vulnerable residents.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors