HB 963 Summary

• Allows counties and municipalities to set maximum rates for towing, immobilizing, and storing vehicles or vessels under specified circumstances including accident scenes, incapacitated owners, or when law enforcement arranges the service.

• Prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing fees or charges directly on authorized wrecker operators or towing businesses for towing, impounding, or storing vehicles or vessels.

• Permits counties and municipalities to levy reasonable business taxes and impose administrative fees up to 25 percent of the maximum towing rate on vehicle/vessel owners, authorized persons in control, or lienholders to cover enforcement costs.

• Exempts counties with existing towing licensing programs as of January 1, 2018 from the prohibition on direct fees to operators, but prevents them from levying business taxes or administrative fees on owners.

• Authorizes wrecker operators and towing businesses to place liens on vehicles or vessels to recover reasonable towing fees, administrative fees imposed by counties or municipalities, and storage fees (except when stored less than 6 hours).

• Effective date: July 1, 2018.