Lawmakers want to change car-buying process after Jesse Jones investigation

Lawmakers are hoping to change the car-buying process in Washington state after they found a gap in the system.

Under current law, someone can file paperwork for an unwanted car, list anyone as the buyer and then ditch the vehicle. One lawmaker wants to change that.

When Robyn Jensen called me a few months ago, she never expected that her issue would be heard all the way in Olympia.

It started when Robyn’s son Kaleb got a $1,400 tow bill for an abandoned car that he never owned. The tow company got Kaleb’s information off the Washington State Sellers Report of Sale, a form that sellers complete with the buyer’s information but there’s no process to verify that what’s entered is correct.

“It’s a lot easier to prove you own something than that you don’t own something,” Kaleb said.

Kaleb’s issues were ultimately dismissed by a judge, but the family wanted to see some real change and asked for my help. So I told Rep. Mark Harmsworth about Kaleb’s situation, and he got to work on House Bill 2274.

“It solves a lot of issues around that period of time when you’re transferring the cars for both the buyer and the seller,” Harmsworth said.

The bipartisan bill will put vehicle purchases in a sort of limbo while information is checked.

“They can’t hold the seller accountable, but they can’t transfer the title until the buyer has shown that they’ve actually received or bought the vehicle either through some paperwork or the actual registration of the car,” Harmsworth said.

The bill will get a hearing next spring before heading to the Senate, where supporters hope it will get enough votes to pass.

For Jensen, it’s already a success because she says the right people are fighting for a change.

“I was really surprised when you called and let me know that was being introduced,” she said. “I was blown away that could be done that quickly.”

Previous Jesse stories:

Collection agencies harassing people who already paid off debt

Jesse investigates malware that drains bank accounts

Jesse helps Lynnwood woman get a check for her leaky sunroof

Jesse contacts airline after family out thousands

Jesse takes on Medicare delay, helps man fighting cancer

Jesse helps fix Kenmore range installation guide error

Jesse finds lawyer who missed clients’ court dates

Jesse goes undercover, investigates low-cost air duct cleanings