House Transportation Committee advances bill to reimburse tow operators for indigent tows

The House Transportation Committee on Feb. 12 voted to report substitute House Bill 16 53 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The bill directs the Department of Licensing to create a program to reimburse registered tow truck operators for towing, storage and related services when a vehicle is towed from private property or at the direction of law enforcement and the vehicle owner is indigent.

The committee adopted amendment Munn 860, moved by Vice Chair Donaghy, which requires the Department of Licensing to adopt rules establishing maximum reimbursement rates after stakeholder consultation and to convene stakeholder groups to make recommendations on further amendments. The amendment also sets the bill—s effective date to Feb. 1, 2026, replacing the default effective date of 90 days after adjournment of the session.

Representative Donaghy, the vice chair and sponsor who moved the amendment and the substitute motion, said the bill will help ensure tow operators can recoup some costs and that workers are paid fairly. "This will help ensure that at least in some cases, they are able to recoup some of the costs that they put out, making sure that their workers are paid fairly. And it also ensures that when there is somebody who has a vehicle that they cannot pay for to get out, they still have the opportunity to recover their vehicle. It's a win win," Donaghy said.

Representative Marcus spoke in support of the amendment, calling it "a good amendment" and encouraging a yes vote. Representative Bartosz thanked the sponsor and urged a "strong yes vote."

Committee staff member Mrs. Meyer confirmed there were no changes to the fiscal note during the discussion. The committee conducted a voice vote on the amendment and later on the substitute bill. After a brief procedural revote to allow Representative Timmons to cast his vote, the clerk announced a final tally of 24 yes, 0 nay and 3 excused. The committee record lists Representatives Birnbaum, Doer and Taylor as excused for the vote.

The committee adjourned to Democratic and Republican caucuses at the conclusion of the item and did not reconvene in the hearing.