HB285 Summary

• Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) must adopt rules governing nonconsensual towing and recovery services, including prohibiting agency compensation from towing services and financial interests by state troopers.

• Trooper post commanders must assign all towing and recovery services and cannot be compensated, hold financial interests in, or recommend particular towing companies.

• Motor vehicle owners may dispute towing fees by filing a written complaint within three business days of receiving an invoice, and storage charges cease during the complaint review process.

• If parties cannot agree within seven days, the trooper post commander reviews the dispute and may adjust charges if they exceed customary industry rates; commanders may also require compliance with revised fees.

• ALEA may assess civil penalties of $500 per violation against towing services that violate agency rules and remove them from the state wrecker rotation list; collected penalties are deposited in the State Treasury for ALEA use.