The bill HB 1492-FN amends New Hampshire's laws regarding motor vehicle towing and storage fees, primarily by extending the timeframe for disputing charges from 15 days to 30 days after receiving an invoice. It mandates that towing invoices include clear instructions on how to appeal the reasonableness of the charges, potentially linking to an online resource. Additionally, vehicle owners must pay the towing fees to secure their vehicle's release if they challenge the charges, and failure to request a review within the 30-day period waives their right to contest the fees. The bill also introduces penalties for towing services that do not comply with the new invoice requirements, imposing fines of $100 for each violation.

Further revisions include updates to definitions related to towing services, such as specifying the qualifications for recovery vehicles and tow businesses. The bill clarifies that tow businesses must maintain current employee information and respond to state police calls 24/7, with consequences for non-compliance. It also removes outdated requirements, such as the need for social security numbers for employees, and broadens the scope of individuals involved in towing operations. The director of the division of state police is granted authority to enforce regulations and take disciplinary actions against non-compliant tow companies, with a structured appeals process in place. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with certain provisions starting on January 1, 2027, and others 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 262:35-a, 262:33, 263:57, 106-B:30
As Amended by the Senate: 262:35-a, 262:33, 106-B:30, 106-B:27, 106-B:28, 106-B:29, 106-B:31