Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF845

Introduced
1/30/25  

Caption

Commissioner of public safety prohibition from determining insurance requirements for towing vehicles

Impact

The impact of SF845 is significant in terms of how towing services operate within the state. By limiting the insurance requirements imposed by the commissioner of public safety, the bill seeks to ease the regulatory environment for towing companies, especially those dealing with vehicles of lesser value. This move could make it easier for small towing businesses to remain compliant while also reflecting on their operational costs which may lead to lower fees for consumers in the long run.

Summary

SF845 is a legislative proposal that specifically addresses the insurance requirements for towing vehicles in Minnesota. The bill prohibits the commissioner of public safety from enacting any rules or regulations that would mandate a specific amount of on-hook towing insurance for towed vehicles valued at less than $400,000. The intention is to provide clarity regarding insurance obligations and potentially lower the financial burden on local towing services. The effective date of the bill is retroactive from August 1, 2023, which means that it applies to any orders issued on or after that date.

Contention

While the bill has potential support from towing companies that would benefit from reduced insurance costs, it may face objections from advocates concerned about consumer protection. The discussion may center around whether these relaxed insurance requirements could lead to gaps in coverage, thus leaving consumers vulnerable in the event of towing-related incidents. Additionally, there are broader implications of regulatory authority and how such legislation shapes the relationship between state regulators and local businesses.

Companion Bills

MN HF454

Similar To Commissioner of public safety prohibited from determining insurance requirements for towing vehicles.

Previously Filed As

MN SF2554

Charging the victim of a crime prohibition for towing or impounding a motor vehicle

MN SF1065

Towing and recovery vehicles exemption from certain motor vehicle weight limitations

MN HF1018

Towing and recovery vehicles exempted from motor vehicle weight limitations, and technical changes made.

MN HF3174

Towing authority governing requirements amended.

MN SF1448

Retrieval of towed vehicle contents requirements modification; aggrieved vehicle owners cause of action authorization

MN HF3026

Charging of victim of crime for towing or impounding motor vehicle prohibited, sale of motor vehicle prohibited for 180 days, reimbursement provided, charging victim any fine or fee prohibited, and law enforcement agencies required to investigate reports of stolen vehicles and provide update on investigation.

MN HF975

Towed vehicle contents retrieval governing requirements amended, and cause of action provided for aggrieved vehicle owners.

MN SF176

Certain requirements governing retrieval of towed vehicle contents amendment

MN SF1360

Vehicle requirement to slow down or move over for a stopped vehicle with its emergency, flashing or warning lights activated

MN SF947

Law enforcement agencies requirement to report carjacking data to commissioner of public safety

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.