Connecticut House Bill HB06657

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/17/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23

Caption

An Act Concerning Nonconsensual Towing.

Impact

The legislation significantly affects the towing industry and vehicle owners by instituting clear guidelines on how vehicles can be towed from private property. Under the new law, a property owner must post clear signage regarding towing policies, and must also provide proper notification before a vehicle can be towed. This creates increased transparency and places more responsibility on towing companies to adhere to established rates and procedures. It also enhances rights for vehicle owners through required notifications and the option for inspecting vehicles before release post-tow.

Summary

House Bill 6657 addresses regulations surrounding nonconsensual towing and the authorized removal of vehicles from private property. The bill, effective October 1, 2023, stipulates that the commissioner shall establish a schedule of reasonable rates for towing and storage services, ensuring that these rates cannot exceed the published amounts. It aims to standardize the process by requiring written authorization from property owners or agents for any towing actions, thus protecting vehicle owners from unauthorized removals.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB 6657 appears to lean positively, with advocates emphasizing the need for consumer protections against potentially abusive towing practices. However, there are some concerns from the towing industry regarding any new burdens placed on their operations, highlighting a split in perception. While many see the bill as a step toward fair treatment for vehicle owners, the towing community may view additional regulations as a hindrance to their business practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the provisions requiring towing companies to notify local police departments of any unauthorized tows and the stipulation that vehicle ownership records be maintained for oversight. Critics argue that these measures may complicate towing processes and impose additional costs or operational delays on towing companies. Furthermore, questions were raised about the ability of property owners to recover costs associated with vehicle storage if stringent regulations are not adhered to, indicating a potential area of pushback from the towing community.