The bill establishes a new program to compensate registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles to indigent citizens, setting specific eligibility criteria for applicants. Individuals must be the legal owner of the vehicle, demonstrate financial need, and have not applied for the program more than once in the past year. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating a two-part form for both vehicle owners and tow truck operators to certify eligibility. The bill also mandates that funds be disbursed to eligible operators based on availability, with a waitlist maintained if demand exceeds resources. Additionally, it clarifies that tow truck operators do not have a lien or deficiency claim on vehicles released under this program and requires them to inform vehicle owners about the program during impoundment notifications.

Furthermore, the bill amends the process for requesting hearings related to vehicle impoundments, stipulating that requests must be submitted in writing within 10 days of notification and more than five days before the auction date, with a filing fee equivalent to that of a district court suit. If the request is not timely, the right to a hearing is waived, and the vehicle owner becomes liable for associated charges. The court must notify relevant parties of the hearing date within five days and determine the validity of the impoundment. The bill outlines consequences based on the court's findings, including fee assessments against the requester if the impoundment is deemed proper, and liability for the agency if found unlawful. It also introduces provisions for the sale of abandoned vehicles not redeemed within 15 days, clarifying the redemption process and replacing written numbers with numerical representations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.55.115, 46.55.120