This bill revises the regulations surrounding motor vehicle towing and storage fees, primarily by extending the dispute period for charges from 15 days to 30 days post-invoice receipt. It requires that invoices clearly detail the appeal process for charges, including a website or scannable code for additional information. Towing services that do not comply with this requirement will incur a $100 fine for each violation, with repeated offenses subject to review by the Department of Safety. The bill also modifies the procedures for handling abandoned vehicles, allowing owners to retrieve their vehicles by paying towing and storage fees while awaiting a hearing, and mandates reimbursement or fee waivers if towing is deemed unjustified.

Additionally, the bill updates definitions and qualifications for tow businesses and their employees, replacing "tow truck drivers" with "employees" to encompass all personnel responding to state police calls. It introduces stricter application requirements, including detailed employee information and separate driver files for those working at multiple companies. The bill prohibits the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid towing fees, allowing for non-renewal instead, and mandates reinstatement of any suspended licenses without fees if the individual is otherwise eligible. Disciplinary actions for violations by tow businesses or employees are also outlined, with certain provisions taking effect on January 1, 2027, and others 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 106-B:26-34
As Amended by the Senate: 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:30, 106-B:31
As Amended by the House: 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:30, 106-B:31, 262:35-a, 262:33, 263:57
As Amended by the House (2nd): 262:35-a, 262:33, 106-B:30, 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:31
Version adopted by both bodies: 262:35-a, 262:33, 106-B:30, 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:31
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 262:35-a, 262:33, 106-B:30, 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:31
SB617 text: 106-B:26-34