Michigan House Bill HB6063

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/12/24
• Refer: 11/12/24
• Refer: 11/13/24

Caption

Vehicles: wreckers; public posting of rates; require. Amends sec. 252i of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.252i). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6062'24

Impact

The amendment seeks to provide a balance between fair compensation for towing agencies while protecting vehicle owners from potentially excessive fees. The bill emphasizes the need for towing services to publicly post their fee schedules at their places of business and online to promote transparency in their pricing structures. This requirement for public posting is particularly significant, as it aims to hold towing agencies accountable for their fees and prevent arbitrary pricing that could exploit vehicle owners.

Summary

House Bill 6063 aims to amend the Michigan Vehicle Code concerning the regulation of towing and storage fees for vehicles deemed abandoned or towed from public property. The bill establishes clear limits on the fees that can be charged by towing services, ensuring that the charges align with a fee schedule set by local ordinances. Specifically, it sets maximum fees based on the vehicle's weight, with defined fees for vehicles under 11,000 pounds, those between 11,000 and 17,000 pounds, and those over 17,000 pounds, alongside stipulating additional charges for after-hours services and other special circumstances.

Contention

Despite the bill's intent to standardize towing fees and enhance transparency, there is likely to be contention regarding its impact on local control. Some local government officials may argue that being restricted by a state-mandated fee structure could hinder their ability to address specific needs within their communities, especially if local economic conditions differ significantly from state averages. Additionally, the enforcement of the bill and the consequences for violations may lead to debates about the sufficiency of penalties for non-compliance and how effectively these can be regulated at the state level.