HB 2737 Summary

• Amends vehicle towing regulations by changing the chapter title to "Abandoned, Seized, Junk and Towed Vehicles" and adds new Article 4 governing private property trespass towers.

• Establishes state regulation of private property trespass towers (companies that tow unauthorized vehicles from private property) including registration, insurance requirements, and rate-setting authority beginning July 1, 2013.

• Requires private property trespass towers to maintain records for three years, notify law enforcement within 20 minutes of towing, post signage with contact information, maintain secured storage lots, and prohibits covert surveillance and various unfair practices.

• Allows vehicle owners to dispute towing charges by submitting written requests for hearings to the department director and permits owners to reclaim vehicles without payment if they provide proof of identity and ownership.

• Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 for violations and classifies violations as class 3 misdemeanors; repeals the new article effective June 30, 2022.