Committee backs bill to create towing advisory board within DOT

The Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements committee voted to give House Bill 577 a “do pass” recommendation to create a Towing Services Oversight and Advisory Board within the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Supporters, including towing industry representatives and Albuquerque Police Department staff, told the committee the board would give the industry a formal voice in DOT rulemaking and help mediate disputes without replacing inspection or enforcement functions.

Representative Brown, who presented the bill on behalf of sponsor Rep. Jennifer Jones, said the proposal would "create the ... towing services oversight and advisory board, within the Department of Transportation." Amy Barela, identified in the hearing as the president of the newly formed New Mexico Towing Recovery Association, told the committee the towing industry has been regulated under different state bodies over time and “we just want our voice heard.” Barela said the association does not seek inspection or enforcement authority: "We do not wanna be part of the inspection process. We don't wanna be part of the regulation and finding process. What we want is to be part of the mediation process."

Several witnesses described operational problems under the current system. Sergeant David Taylor of the Albuquerque Police Department, who oversees contracts for towing companies on call for the city, testified: "They provide a great service to us." Jean Paul Burello, who identified his affiliation as "North 54 Savage," and Armando Beltran (affiliation given in the record) also spoke in favor, urging legislators to “let us have a voice for our industry.” Angela Roper, a towing consultant and former towing-company owner, said she has worked with state towing associations and that multiple states have adopted similar advisory boards.

Committee members asked how the board would be staffed and whether the DOT would have a seat at the table. Proponents said investigators and administrative staff already exist within the transportation division and that the advisory board would rely on those resources rather than require hiring a new enforcement team. The presenters also said the committee seats would be filled by representatives from each of New Mexico’s six transportation districts to encourage statewide participation, and that meetings could be held remotely to reduce travel costs.

Representative Lestrom moved a "do pass" recommendation for HB 577 and a second was recorded. The committee recorded the motion and the roll call returned unanimous recorded "yes" votes; the committee reported the bill favorably.

If enacted, the bill would establish an advisory board intended to provide industry input and a mediation role between the towing industry and DOT rulemakers; it does not transfer inspection or enforcement authority to the board.

The committee then moved on to other items on the agenda.