ME LD1377

Department of the Secretary of State must convene an 11-member working group to evaluate potential regulation and enforcement of the towing industry in Maine

Working group includes representatives from light and heavy vehicle towing, trucking, credit unions, large financial institutions, insurance, low-income legal advocates, State Police, Attorney General's consumer protection division, and Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Group must examine methods to protect drivers from deceptive, predatory, or irresponsible towing practices, including notification requirements for vehicle owners and lienholders

Special attention required for situations where vehicle owners are involuntarily hospitalized, particularly regarding when vehicles are deemed "abandoned" and accumulated storage charges

Report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation due to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation by February 3, 2026