Rep. Katrina Asay, R-Milton, co-sponsored House Bill 2354, with Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, which could greatly reduce the multitude of car thefts in 30th District communities.

The bill gives law enforcement more time to investigate auto theft by extending the statute of limitations from three years to six years for trafficking in stolen vehicles and auto parts.

Since cars can be cut into different pieces and sold as parts this type of investigation can be a long process. Law enforcement must track down the parts to solve the crime, which can take years.

“We need to give police the time to solve these crimes not only because of the complexity, but also because of the damaging effect car theft has on people. For most people, a car is one of the biggest financial investments they will ever make and a theft can be devastating. People need to feel safe in their communities and this is an important step in the right direction,” said Asay.

This legislation comes at a time when the Washington State Patrol’s Stolen Vehicle Task Force has been reduced by 50 percent. With half the manpower gone, the extension of time provided by the bill would ensure that officers have the resources they need.

This bill will not change current sentencing guidelines but it will help in the investigations of stolen property and holds criminals accountable. Both the Washington Auto Prevention Task Force and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs are in support of this legislation.

“This legislation would enable police and prosecutors to hold offenders accountable,” said Orwall.

The bill passed the House on Thursday night in a unanimous vote. The legislation will now be sent to the Senate and is likely to be heard in committee next week.