MO HB2247

Law enforcement officers and government agency officials may authorize towing companies to remove abandoned property from roadways and waterways under specified conditions.

Officers must perform a visual inspection of vehicles, check registration, and attempt to contact the registered owner before towing to inform them the vehicle will be towed unless retrieved, except when circumstances require immediate removal.

If a vehicle is registered in another jurisdiction, the officer's agency must contact the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction to attempt owner notification.

Law enforcement agencies must complete a crime inquiry and inspection report for any tow where abandoned property is moved from its immediate vicinity, including vehicle identification, damage description, storage location, and towing reason.

Towing companies may dispose of unredeemed abandoned property as scrap after at least 30 days have passed since notification and the owner has not requested a hearing, with records of such sales forwarded to the director of revenue.