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OH HB425
Bill
Status
1/27/2010
Primary Sponsor
Edna Brown
Click for details
AI Summary
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Grants the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over towing companies and preempts all local regulation, with no political subdivision having authority to license, register, or permit such companies.
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Establishes a mandatory certification system for towing companies and registration system for vehicle storage companies, with the PUC to establish these systems within six months of the bill's effective date.
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Prohibits towing companies from engaging in various unfair practices including charging excessive fees, failing to obtain written consent before towing (except for law enforcement requests), and failing to notify law enforcement within four hours after a tow.
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Revises private tow-away zone requirements on residential and agricultural property, including specific signage requirements with contact information and towing/storage charge disclosures, and requires property owners to use only properly authorized towing companies.
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Clarifies that towing companies are motor transportation companies subject to existing PUC oversight, establishes minimum financial and operational standards for certification, and sets civil penalty minimums of at least $1,000 for violations of the new towing company provisions.
Legislative Description
To grant the Public Utilities Commission exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over all common and contract carrier towing companies and preempt local regulation, authorize the commission to establish a new certification program for common and contract carrier towing companies and a registration system for towed vehicle storage companies, authorize certain commission regulation of vehicle storage companies, revise law governing private tow-away zones, and make conforming changes in motor transportation company public utility law.
Towing companies/vehicle storage/tow-away zones law
Last Action
To Public Utilities
1/27/2010