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Towing industry seeks rate increases; bill to raise trespass towing base fails to advance
Summary
Sponsors sought to allow localities to raise base trespass towing rates after operators reported no increase in seven years; the substitute failed to report from the subcommittee on a 3‑4 vote.
Delegate McQuinn presented a substantially revised substitute to House Bill 2214, asking the subcommittee to allow localities flexibility to raise base trespass‑towing rates in response to increased operating costs. The proposal surfaced after industry testimony that many operators had not seen a rate increase in seven years.
"It has been 7 years since we've had a rate increase... Trucks have gone up, over 100%, fuel, employees, everything," said Matt Benkei, representing the Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Towing Association, who testified in favor of the change. Multiple towing business owners and representatives from Hampton Roads and Richmond described workforce and equipment pressures and urged support for higher allowable rates so localities could update their schedules.
Supporters said the substitute leaves regulatory authority with localities and would not automatically change regulation; opponents and some delegates raised concerns about consumer protections and local control.
After debate, a motion to report the substitute failed on a 3‑4 vote, and the bill did not advance out of the subcommittee.
