Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise and modernize the commercial tow truck laws in Montana, focusing on enhancing safety, accountability, and professionalism within the towing industry. Key amendments include a refined definition of "boom," which must now be "lifted and extended" and capable of supporting a load independent of the wrecker body. The bill reduces the classification of tow trucks from five to three classes, updating specifications for equipment ratings and capabilities. It also introduces a requirement for commercial tow truck operators to ensure their employees complete recognized third-party training within one year of hire, and revises liability insurance requirements based on the class of tow truck, alongside outlining necessary storage facility standards.

Additionally, the bill establishes a structured law enforcement rotation system for tow truck operators, emphasizing public safety through specific traffic control equipment requirements, including two reflectorized signs and state-certified flaggers. It sets qualifications for towing and recovery equipment, mandating that all equipment be commercially manufactured and permanently mounted to the truck chassis. The legislation prohibits ownership overlap among companies in the same rotation area, requiring separate records, insurance, and operational capabilities for each business. Furthermore, it clarifies that a commercial tow truck operator can hold only one letter of appointment per business location within a single rotation area, with provisions for waivers under certain conditions. Overall, these changes aim to improve the operational standards and accountability of commercial tow truck operators in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920
SB0454_1(1): 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920
SB0454_1(2): 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920
SB0454_1(3): 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920
SB0454_1(4): 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920
SB0454_1: 61-8-903, 61-8-905, 61-8-906, 61-8-907, 61-8-908, 61-8-920