Once enacted, HB1085 will enhance accountability within the towing industry by establishing minimum standards that towing companies must adhere to. This includes maintaining proper insurance coverage, undergoing certified training, and ensuring they are compliant with local regulations regarding vehicle removal. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that owners have the right to reclaim their vehicles during the towing process, provided they pay a reasonable fee, which cannot exceed half the posted towing rate.
Summary
House Bill 1085 aims to amend Section 85-7-251 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, introducing new procedures for reclaiming motor vehicles or vessels in the process of being towed. This bill is designed to protect the rights of vehicle owners and ensure they are adequately informed about the towing process, including their responsibilities and the conditions under which their vehicles may be removed. It sets clear guidelines for how towing companies must operate, including their obligations to notify local law enforcement and inform vehicle owners and lienholders about towing incidents within specified timeframes.
Contention
However, the implementation of this bill may face opposition from towing companies that could view the procedural requirements as overly burdensome. There's also a potential debate regarding how strictly municipalities may choose to enforce or augment the regulations outlined in the bill. Critics may argue that these new regulations could complicate existing practices and may not sufficiently address issues with unauthorized towing on private properties, which is often a contentious point between towing companies and property owners.