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, demonstration of indigence, and a restriction on previous applications within the last year. The program covers costs related to private property and law enforcement-directed impounds, provided the impound did not follow an arrest. Registered tow truck operators can apply for payment by certifying compliance with the program's requirements. The bill also clarifies that operators must inform individuals about their rights and the program's availability when seeking to redeem impounded vehicles. Importantly, it removes any lien or deficiency claims on vehicles released under this program, alleviating additional financial burdens for eligible individuals.

Furthermore, the bill delineates the jurisdiction of district and municipal courts concerning impoundments, specifying that district courts handle state-authorized impoundments while municipal courts address those authorized by municipal agents. It establishes a written request process for hearings, requiring submission within 10 days of the opportunity being provided, and outlines the consequences of failing to request a hearing within this timeframe. The court must notify relevant parties of the hearing date within five days of the request and will determine the validity of the impoundment and associated fees. The bill also details the outcomes of hearings, assigning payment responsibilities based on the court's findings, and introduces new provisions for vehicle redemption through fee payment or form completion. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2026, with notable changes including the clarification of timeframes from "ten" to "10" days and "fifteen" to "15" days.

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