Regulation of towing services.
Regulation of towing services. Requires a local law enforcement agency to establish a written policy or enter into a contract for a towing rotation for emergency towing. Requires a towing company to release property to an owner not later than 24 hours after partial payment is received for an invoice. Adds requirements for an itemized invoice provided by a towing company. Requires a towing company to create a rate sheet. Establishes rates a towing company may charge for fees for emergency towing or private property towing. Establishes a towing complaint process and the towing complaint advisory board.
HB1493 proposes new regulations for towing services. It mandates that local law enforcement agencies must set up a written policy or contract for a towing rotation during emergencies. Towing companies must release vehicles to owners within 24 hours of partial payment. The bill also requires towing companies to provide detailed invoices and create a rate sheet. It sets specific rates for emergency and private property towing and establishes a complaint process with an advisory board.
This bill affects towing companies, vehicle owners, and local law enforcement. It aims to ensure fair practices, timely vehicle releases, and transparent billing. The recent legislative progress includes its introduction, referral to the Roads and Transportation Committee, and a successful committee report that recommends passage.
Currently, HB1493 is in the House and has passed the committee stage. It was introduced on January 21, 2025, and passed the committee report on February 3, 2025. The next steps involve further House consideration and potential debate.