MN SF1448

Requires units of government and impound lot operators to establish reasonable procedures for retrieval of vehicle contents from impounded vehicles.

Allows registered vehicle owners who are homeless, receive government benefits based on need, or are eligible for legal aid services to retrieve all vehicle contents without charge upon presenting photographic identification and supporting documentation, regardless of unpaid fees or title transfer.

Mandates impound lot operators allow retrieval of identification documents, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, canes, crutches, walkers, external braces) from any impounded vehicle.

Requires impound lot operators to post conspicuous notices informing vehicle owners of their rights to free content retrieval and to provide written denial statements with specific reasons when content retrieval requests are denied.

Provides aggrieved vehicle owners a cause of action against impound lot operators, including injunctive relief plus attorney fees if contents are wrongfully denied or withheld, and statutory damages of $1,000 plus attorney fees if contents are sold or disposed of after documentation is provided, with claims limited to 12 months after impoundment.