House Bill No. 1261 establishes the Wrecker Services Division within the Department of Public Safety, transferring relevant powers and responsibilities from the Corporation Commission to this new division by November 1, 2025. The bill creates the Oklahoma Wrecker and Towing Services Board, consisting of nine members appointed by various state officials, to regulate the wrecker and towing industry. This includes setting licensing requirements, investigating consumer complaints, and establishing fee structures for services. The bill also amends several sections of the Oklahoma Statutes to update definitions and modify the responsible agencies overseeing wrecker and towing services, removing various set rates and fee adjustment requirements to allow for more flexibility in pricing while ensuring fees remain reasonable and transparent.

Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for towing companies, including the obligation to provide documentation to substantiate fees charged for nonconsensual tows and to submit a detailed list of prices for these services, which must be updated biannually. It transfers the authority to determine maximum fees for nonconsensual tows from the Corporation Commission to the Oklahoma Wrecker and Towing Services Board, ensuring that wrecker services adhere to established maximum rates. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability in the towing industry, aiming to protect consumers from excessive charges and unethical practices, while also streamlining the towing process and enhancing accountability among wrecker services.

Statutes affected:
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Sub Committee Recommendation: 47-953.2, 47-954A, 47-955