TX HB5499

Requires political subdivisions that regulate nonconsent towing fees to conduct or contract for a towing fee study at least once every two years, replacing the previous system where towing companies could request studies

Mandates that within 30 days of receiving study results, governing bodies must publish the study findings and methodology on their public website and establish or amend fees to reflect fair value of towing services

Establishes a default penalty for political subdivisions in counties with 750,000+ population that fail to update fees as required: fees automatically default to state commission-established rates until another study is conducted

Authorizes political subdivisions to impose an administrative fee on each nonconsent tow to cover the costs of conducting towing fee studies, with funds kept in a separate account and restricted to study-related expenses

Creates a legal defense for towing companies charged with collecting unauthorized fees if they charged amounts authorized under the default state rate or the administrative fee provision