SB 617 revises the regulations surrounding towing and impoundment procedures in New Hampshire, focusing on enhancing transparency and fairness for vehicle owners. Key provisions include the requirement for towing invoices to clearly outline the appeal process, extending the timeframe for appealing towing fees from 15 to 30 days. The bill also prohibits the suspension of a driver's license due to unpaid towing or storage fees, ensuring that individuals can have their licenses reinstated without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, it mandates that towing businesses provide updated service rates to the state police, which will not affect their placement on the rotation list.

The bill introduces new definitions for terms related to towing operations, such as "employee," "heavy duty wrecker," and "tow business," while replacing "tow truck drivers" with "employees" in the qualifications for tow companies. It establishes specific criteria for compliance and operational standards, including response time expectations for wreckers and the authority for the director of state police to suspend businesses for public safety concerns. Additionally, the bill streamlines the disciplinary process for towing businesses, allowing for warnings, suspensions, or removal from the tow list, with a reapplication process after two years. Overall, SB 617 aims to improve accountability within the towing industry while safeguarding the rights of vehicle owners.

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
SB617 text: 106-B:26-34