The bill amends section 4923.99 of the Revised Code to clarify the conditions under which the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) can assess forfeiture penalties on towing services and storage facilities. It specifies that, except in certain circumstances, the PUC shall not impose forfeiture penalties on for-hire motor carriers engaged in towing or on storage facilities accepting towed vehicles for violations of Chapters 4921 or 4923 of the Revised Code. The PUC may assess such penalties if the towing service or storage facility violates specific provisions or rules, and if the violation does not qualify as a minor or major violation as defined in section 4513.611 of the Revised Code.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for the attorney general to bring civil actions to collect forfeitures and seek injunctive relief against violators. It establishes jurisdictional guidelines for appeals related to compliance orders and forfeiture assessments, specifying that the court of appeals in the county with jurisdiction over the defendant will handle such cases. The bill also includes provisions for compromising forfeiture amounts prior to collection and clarifies that existing section 4923.99 is repealed.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4923.99