GA HB184

Department of Revenue must establish a statewide towed motor vehicle database by January 1, 2027, allowing vehicle owners to search for towed vehicles by VIN or license plate number; database may be operated by a 501(c)(6) nonprofit towing industry organization with at least $1 million surety bond

Towing and storage firms must submit vehicle identification numbers to the database within three days of removal and request owner information from the department, which may charge up to $2.00 for this service

Owner notification timeline shortened from 15 calendar days to seven days after vehicle removal; entering a vehicle in the towed database constitutes sufficient notice when owner identity cannot be determined, eliminating prior newspaper advertisement requirements

Owners have 30 calendar days (increased from 10) to file an answer to lien foreclosure petitions; filing fee capped at $11.00 and certified court order copies capped at $14.00

Towing firms that fail to comply with notice requirements may have vehicles re-impounded and must waive all daily storage fees accrued prior to re-impoundment; general provisions effective July 1, 2026, with database-related requirements effective January 1, 2028