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Committee advances bill to pay tow operators for indigent tows, unanimous voice vote
Summary
The committee approved engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5484, directing the Department of Licensing to create a compensation program for registered tow operators who tow indigent persons' vehicles under certain circumstances; the measure moved out of committee by voice vote, 25‑0 with two excused members.
Engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5484 directs the Department of Licensing to establish a program to compensate registered tow truck operators for costs incurred when towing and storing an indigent person's vehicle that was towed from private property or at the direction of law enforcement when there was no arrest. The committee reported the bill out with a due‑pass recommendation after a voice vote.
Vice Chair Donaghy, who moved the bill out of committee, said the measure "ensures that our tow truck operators ... are able to actually get paid for the work they do" and that it also "helps ensure that those who are unable to, receive their cars because they are indigent have an opportunity to do so as well." Donaghy told members the bill does not create new taxes or revenue sources.
Representative Lowe, speaking in support, said tow operators perform dangerous work on roadways and sometimes are not paid when the state directs towing. Lowe recounted meeting tow drivers who worked an eight‑hour recovery and did not receive compensation; he urged a yes vote so operators would be fairly paid.
The committee proceeded by voice vote. The clerk recorded 25 ayes, 0 nays and two excused members (Representatives Mendoza and Schmidt). No amendments were offered in committee.
