Senate committee advances bill to modernize vehicle-tow notifications; testimony raises predatory-towing and signage concerns

House Bill 174, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Keiser, would repeal chapter 18, title 49 of Idaho law and create a new statutory framework to update and "modernize the towing and storage of vehicles," including an electronic notification system and a state-maintained tow list.

Senator Keiser told the Senate Transportation Committee the measure is intended to reduce confusion over responsibility when vehicles are abandoned, stolen or involved in accidents. "It'll create transparency by providing notification electronically to all those parties involved," Keiser said, and the bill would place information in an Idaho Transportation Department portal (ILETS) so vehicle owners and lienholders can find where a vehicle is stored and view rate sheets.

CJ Kendrick, deputy administrator for ITD's Division of Motor Vehicles, said the department would "use our system of record for the address" to send an initial notification and a secondary notification, providing an extra opportunity to reach owners. Kendrick told senators the rewrite would remove the current practice of law enforcement…