The proposed bill, Substitute House Bill No. 7162, seeks to reform Connecticut's motor vehicle towing laws by introducing new regulations that enhance clarity, accountability, and consumer protection. Key provisions include the repeal of Section 14-145 and its replacement with updated language that specifies the responsibilities of property owners and lessees regarding unauthorized vehicle towing. Notably, the bill mandates that property owners or their agents must provide written or electronically transmitted authorization for each tow, and it prohibits the issuance of parking citations or the use of wheel-locking devices, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill establishes specific conditions under which vehicles can be towed without prior authorization, such as when they obstruct access or leak fluids, and emphasizes the need for proper documentation and verification of the towing process.

Further amendments include the introduction of a consumer bill of rights regarding towing, which must be published by the Department of Motor Vehicles by September 2025, and the establishment of a new schedule of uniform rates for nonconsensual towing. The bill also extends the holding period for unclaimed vehicles before they can be sold, increases civil penalties for violations, and clarifies the process for handling abandoned vehicles. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline towing regulations, enhance consumer protections, and ensure compliance within the towing industry, with most provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-145b, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-145b, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
File No. 568: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1