RCW 63.29.020 Property presumed abandoned—General rule—Exceptions.

(1) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, all intangible property, including any income or increment derived therefrom, less any lawful charges, that is held, issued, or owing in the ordinary course of the holder's business and has remained unclaimed by the owner for more than three years after it became payable or distributable is presumed abandoned.

(2) Property, with the exception of unredeemed Washington state lottery tickets and unpresented winning parimutuel tickets, is payable and distributable for the purpose of this chapter notwithstanding the owner's failure to make demand or to present any instrument or document required to receive payment.

(3) This chapter does not apply to claims drafts issued by insurance companies representing offers to settle claims unliquidated in amount or settled by subsequent drafts or other means.

(4) This chapter does not apply to property covered by chapter 63.26 RCW.

(5) This chapter does not apply to used clothing, umbrellas, bags, luggage, or other used personal effects if such property is disposed of by the holder as follows:

(a) In the case of personal effects of negligible value, the property is destroyed; or

(b) The property is donated to a bona fide charity.

(6) This chapter does not apply to a gift certificate lawfully issued under chapter 19.240 RCW, except lawfully issued gift certificates presumed abandoned under RCW 63.29.110. Nothing in this section limits the application of chapter 19.240 RCW.

(7) Except as provided in RCW 63.29.350, this chapter does not apply to excess proceeds held by counties, cities, towns, and other municipal or quasi-municipal corporations from foreclosures for delinquent property taxes, assessments, or other liens.

(8)(a) This chapter does not apply to a premium paid by an agricultural fair by check.

(b) For the purposes of this subsection the following definitions apply:

(i) "Agricultural fair" means a fair or exhibition that is intended to promote agriculture by including a balanced variety of exhibits of livestock and agricultural products, as well as related manufactured products and arts, including: Products of the farm home and educational contests, displays, and demonstrations designed to train youth and to promote the welfare of farmers and rural living; and

(ii) "Premium" means an amount paid for exhibits and educational contests, displays, and demonstrations of an educational nature. A "premium" does not include judges' fees and expenses; livestock sale revenues; or prizes or amounts paid for promotion or entertainment activities such as queen contests, parades, dances, rodeos, and races.

[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 6 § 2101; 2011 c 116 § 1; 2010 c 29 § 1. Prior: 2005 c 502 § 3; 2005 c 367 § 1; 2004 c 168 § 14; 2003 1st sp.s. c 13 § 1; 1992 c 122 § 1; 1988 c 226 § 2; 1983 c 179 § 2.]

NOTES:

Effective dates—2015 3rd sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 82.04.4266.

Application—2015 3rd sp.s. c 6 §§ 2101, 2102, 2106, 2108, and 2110: See note following RCW 63.29.190.

Effective date—2005 c 502: See note following RCW 1.12.070.

Effective date—2004 c 168 §§ 13 and 14: See note following RCW 63.29.010.

Effective dates—2003 1st sp.s. c 13: "(1) Sections 8 through 10 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect August 1, 2003.

(2) Sections 11 through 16 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2003.

(3) Sections 1 through 7 of this act take effect January 1, 2004." [ 2003 1st sp.s. c 13 § 17.]