Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 63.21.090 — Designation of alternate entity to accept, store, retain, and dispose of found property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 63.21.090. Designation of alternate entity to accept, store, retain, and dispose of found property.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a county, city, or town may designate an alternate department or governmental entity to accept, store, retain, and dispose of found property as required under this chapter, rather than the chief law enforcement officer or his or her designee, so long as the alternate department or governmental entity complies with the requirements and procedures under this chapter.
(2) Regardless of whether a county, city, or town designates an alternate department or governmental entity under subsection (1) of this section, the chief law enforcement officer or his or her designated representative is responsible for retaining any of the following types of property in accordance with the requirements of this chapter: A bank card; charge or credit card; cash; government-issued document, financial document, or legal document; firearm; evidence in a judicial or other official proceeding; or an item that is not legal for the finder to possess. A county, city, or town designating an alternate department or governmental entity under subsection (1) of this section shall establish procedures for ensuring these types of property are directed to the chief law enforcement officer or his or her designated representative.
Notes
Intent—2020 c 26: "The legislature recognizes that proper storage and preservation of evidence, including maintaining chain of custody requirements, are critical to any successful investigation and prosecution. Unreported sexual assault kits are, therefore, most appropriately stored and preserved by law enforcement agencies. The legislature further recognizes that some agencies are facing storage capacity constraints. Agencies are currently responsible for storing found property, regardless if the property is associated with a criminal investigation. Therefore, the legislature hereby intends to provide flexibility for local governments to designate an alternate entity to store found property in order to allow those agencies with capacity issues to prioritize storage space for evidence and potential evidence in criminal investigations." [
2020 c 26 s 9.]
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 63.21.090
What does Revised Code of Washington § 63.21.090 cover?
Section 63.21.090 ("Designation of alternate entity to accept, store, retain, and dispose of found property.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 63.21.090?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 63.21.090" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 63.21.090 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
