General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5465 seeks to improve the regulation of towing and storage of motor vehicles in Connecticut, with a focus on enhancing transparency and consumer protection. Effective October 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles will be required to establish a publicly accessible electronic portal for information on towed or stored vehicles, mandating wrecker services and storage facilities to submit vehicle details and updates within specified timeframes. The bill also repeals and replaces Section 14-66e, clarifying definitions related to towing and introducing a flat surcharge for towing electric vehicles starting January 1, 2029. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the Police-Ordered Towing Council, which will advise on policies and develop a schedule of rates for various vehicle categories, including electric vehicles.

The legislation further modifies existing statutes regarding the sale and storage of vehicles by wrecker services, requiring them to notify owners and lienholders about the sale of stored vehicles and allowing them to match offers from recyclers. It establishes a Towing Advisory Council to guide the Commissioner on best practices and modernize the public auction process for selling vehicles. Key insertions include the definition of "electric vehicle" and requirements for consumer rights notifications, while deletions include previous provisions regarding uniform rates for nonconsensual towing. Overall, the bill aims to create a more accountable and consumer-friendly towing industry in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-63