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Subcommittee advances bill raising upper cap on local towing rates to $210
Summary
Senate Bill 1332, which would raise the statutory upper limit on certain non–interstate towing rates to $210 while preserving local control, was reported out of committee on a 5–2 vote after testimony from towing businesses and associations.
Senator Marsden sponsored legislation to raise the upper cap on non–interstate towing rates and preserve local authority to set exact rates. The bill would keep a $135 floor and increase the maximum to $210; it also keeps a $20 surcharge in place until Dec. 31 to allow localities time to study and set rates.
Senator Marsden said the State Corporation Commission had suggested $210 as a reasonable maximum after a review. He and supporters said the change aims to help towing companies cover rising costs, retain workers and offer benefits in competitive labor markets near Maryland and D.C. “This is one industry where nobody ever says thank you,” Marsden said, urging local control be preserved.
Testimony in favor came from multiple towing company owners and trade groups, including Affordable Towing, Dominion Towing, Shake's Towing and the Virginia Municipal League; speakers emphasized the bill does not force localities to raise rates but gives them the option. The transcript records business owners saying a permanent raise would help provide health benefits and better wages.
At the end of the hearing the clerk opened the roll and the committee reported Senate Bill 13 32 on a vote of 5 to 2. The transcript does not record an explicit fiscal estimate or exact localities that have committed to raising rates; several speakers said local authority remains intact and that the $20 surcharge will expire on Dec. 31 unless localities act.
