The bill establishes a new program to compensate registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles to indigent citizens, outlining eligibility criteria such as legal ownership, demonstration of indigence, and a restriction on previous applications within the last year. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating a two-part form for vehicle owners and tow truck operators to certify eligibility and compliance. The bill also mandates that funds be disbursed to eligible operators based on availability, with a waitlist maintained if applications exceed resources. Additionally, it amends existing laws to clarify that tow truck operators will not have a lien or deficiency claim on vehicles released under this program and requires notification to vehicle owners about the program when their vehicle is impounded.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the jurisdiction of district and municipal courts over vehicle impoundments, specifying that district courts handle state-authorized impoundments while municipal courts manage those authorized by municipal agents. It introduces a new timeline for filing hearing requests, which must be submitted in writing within 10 days of the opportunity being provided. If a request is not received within this timeframe, the right to a hearing is waived. The bill also details the process following a hearing request, including notification of relevant parties and evidence presentation, and establishes that if the impoundment is deemed proper, the requester is responsible for fees, while improper impoundments will result in no charges for the registered owners. 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