Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1066

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Wreckers and towing; designating certain insurer as responsible party for payment of certain claim and fees. Effective date.

Impact

The bill will impact existing statutes related to highway safety and liability management. By clearly designating the owner or their insurer as responsible for cleanup costs, the legislation aims to streamline the process and ensure that hazardous materials are dealt with more efficiently. This could lead to faster recovery times and fewer safety concerns on the roads for other drivers following accidents. However, implications on insurance policies and any potential increases in costs for policyholders are areas that will need careful monitoring.

Summary

SB1066 seeks to amend the current laws concerning wreckers and towing operators in Oklahoma, particularly in relation to the responsibilities regarding cleanup after an accident. The bill specifies that the owner of a vehicle or their insurer will be liable for the costs associated with the removal of wrecked vehicles and any harmful substances that may be present on the highway, such as glass shards or debris. The bill is intended to ensure that cleanup occurs promptly to maintain highway safety and integrity.

Contention

During discussions surrounding SB1066, points of contention arose regarding the fairness and effectiveness of assigning cleanup responsibilities to vehicle owners or their insurance companies. Critics expressed concerns that this could place an undue financial burden on drivers, particularly in cases where a not-at-fault party is involved. Furthermore, there are worries about whether insurance companies would adequately cover these costs in all instances, potentially leading to disputes over liability and the scope of coverage.