MS HB76

Amends Mississippi Code Section 85-7-251 to exempt vehicle owners from towing and storage costs when their vehicle is towed at law enforcement's request for criminal investigation in which they are not a suspect.

Shifts financial responsibility to the law enforcement agency, which must pay all towing and storage costs and may file a lien against the agency for these expenses.

Vehicle owners remain liable for costs only if they are convicted of a crime related to the reason the vehicle was originally towed.

Requires law enforcement to contact the vehicle owner for return of the vehicle upon completion of the investigation.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.