Tennessee House Bill HB0087

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Engrossed: 3/16/23
• Enrolled: 3/31/23
• Passed: 4/25/23
• Chaptered: 5/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 47; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 65 and Title 66, relative to transportation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 0087 would create more stringent operational guidelines for towing companies, including the framework around vehicle lien rights and notification procedures. Specifically, it mandates that towing companies must notify law enforcement within fifteen minutes of towing a vehicle if the owner is not present. This aims to prevent unauthorized towing practices and gives law enforcement a role in tracking the movement of vehicles. The bill also updates how ownership information is verified and communicated to ensure it remains current and accessible to all parties involved.

Summary

House Bill 0087 aims to amend multiple sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly relating to transportation and vehicle towing practices. The bill introduces several changes regarding the notification requirements and processes that must be followed when towing vehicles, including stricter rules for notifying local law enforcement and updating ownership records. The new regulations are designed to enhance the accountability of towing companies and ensure that vehicle owners are promptly informed when their vehicles are moved without their consent.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers, reflecting a desire to protect vehicle owners from potential abuse by towing companies. However, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on towing operations and the local law enforcement's capacity to manage these new requirements efficiently. Overall, proponents argue that the bill enhances consumer protections and fosters responsible towing practices, while critics may question its implementation implications.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the requirement that towing companies must verify ownership of vehicles within specified timeframes and notify previous owners and lienholders accordingly. This aspect may lead to debates about the efficiency and practicality of these procedures, particularly in high-volume towing scenarios. Additionally, the penalties imposed for failing to comply with these new regulations could lead to pushback from industry representatives, who might argue that the measures could be overly punitive.