The bill establishes a new program to compensate registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles to indigent individuals, outlining specific eligibility criteria such as legal ownership, proof of indigence, and certification of inability to pay for towing services. Vehicles impounded due to the owner's arrest are excluded from this program. Registered tow truck operators can apply for payment for eligible impounds, and the Department of Transportation is responsible for creating a certification form for both vehicle owners and tow truck operators. The bill also amends existing laws to allow vehicle release without payment of towing and storage fees, provided the necessary forms are completed, and it mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the jurisdiction of district and municipal courts over vehicle impoundments, requiring a written request for a hearing within 10 days and a filing fee. If the impoundment is found improper, the vehicle owners will not incur fees, and the authorizing agency will be liable for costs. The bill also includes provisions for awarding attorneys' fees if a judgment is not paid within 15 days and establishes that abandoned vehicles not redeemed within 15 days will be sold at public auction, with conditions for redemption prior to the auction. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.55.115, 46.55.120
Substitute Bill: 46.55.115, 46.55.120
Engrossed Substitute: 46.55.115, 46.55.120