Substitute House Bill No. 5465 aims to improve transparency and accessibility in the towing and storage of motor vehicles by mandating the establishment of a publicly accessible electronic portal by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, effective October 1, 2026. This portal will allow the public to check if their vehicle has been towed and where it is stored, with wrecker services required to submit vehicle information within 48 hours of towing. The bill also introduces new definitions, including "electric vehicle," and requires the Commissioner to publish a schedule of just and reasonable rates for police-ordered towing services, which will include a flat surcharge for towing electric vehicles starting January 1, 2029. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the Police-Ordered Towing Council to include a consumer advocate and mandates that the council propose a schedule of rates by January 1, 2026.

The bill further streamlines the process for handling unclaimed vehicles, allowing wrecker services to initiate the sale of such vehicles after 30 days and requiring them to notify vehicle owners and lienholders of their intent to sell. It also enhances notification requirements by mandating that notices include a towing bill of rights and be sent via both regular and certified mail. The legislation repeals certain existing provisions while inserting new requirements to modernize towing regulations, ensuring fair pricing and improved consumer protections. Overall, sHB5465 seeks to create a more regulated and consumer-friendly environment for towing services, particularly in relation to electric vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-63