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Bill would modernize notice rules for museums to claim loaned or abandoned items
Summary
House Bill 1731 would add alternative electronic and documented methods for museums to notify owners of loaned or abandoned property before title transfers to the museum.
House Bill 1731 would change how museums and historical societies provide notice to owners of loaned or abandoned property before title vests in the institution. Under current law, museums that hold property at the end of a loan must use certified mail and, if that fails, publish notice in a local periodical for two consecutive weeks; 90 days after the second week of publication title vests in the museum if no claim is made.
Patrick Moore, staff counsel, told the Law & Justice Committee the bill replaces the single-publication option with several alternative notice methods, at least one of which must be used for three consecutive weeks. Authorized notice options include posting on an official website or social media accounts, documenting phone attempts, sending email from an official address and posting notice at the museum itself. For property found without donor documentation, public notice must be posted on the museum's website or in a public space and anyone claiming ownership must submit written proof.
Representative Kevin Waters, sponsor, said the change addresses a practical problem: many museums are volunteer-run and have limited storage; modern tools such as email and social media can reach owners more efficiently than costly paid publication. Brad Richardson, executive director of the Clark County Historical Museum and president of the Washington Museum Association, testified the requirement was last updated in 1983 and imposes a financial and logistical burden on small museums; he said the proposed alternatives would increase the chance of finding owners while reducing costs.
Senator Fortunato asked whether the bill includes a post-vesting remedy for owners who learn later that property was transferred; Representative Waters said he would be open to an amendment to address after-the-fact claims.
Staff said a fiscal note is available. The committee closed the public hearing; staff reported a substantial number of sign-ins in support.
