Committee hears bill to reimburse tow operators for releasing vehicles of indigent owners using existing abandoned‑vehicle funds

House Bill 1653 would direct the Department of Licensing (DOL) to create a program to reimburse registered tow truck operators (RTTOs) for towing, storage and related costs when an individual seeking release of an impounded vehicle self‑certifies under penalty of perjury that they are indigent and meet program conditions.

Under the bill, an individual seeking a vehicle release would complete a DOL form certifying that they are the registered owner, are indigent or unable to pay without severe hardship, and have not used the program more than once in the previous year. The RTTO would then complete a second certification verifying the impound was a private‑property or law‑enforcement‑directed impound not following an arrest and that the applicant is the registered owner. Once both parts are completed,…