Senate passes bill regulating vehicle immobilization companies, adds consumer protections

The Colorado Senate on April 16 approved House Bill 1117, which sets statewide standards for private vehicle immobilization companies — commonly called booting companies — and establishes consumer protections including notice, signage, photo documentation and multilingual requirements.

Sponsor Sen. Gonzales said the bill defines immobilization practices, prohibits patrolling, requires multilingual signage and sets minimum standards for documentation, mirroring some consumer protections the legislature has adopted in the towing industry.

“We extend those protections for consumers in the state of Colorado,” Gonzales said. He described testimony from municipalities and residents who reported aggressive booting practices in residential and private parking contexts and said the bill targets a handful of bad actors while protecting good companies.

Sen. Wiseman noted the bill excludes peace‑officer‑directed immobilizations and commercial real‑estate enforcement, and includes specific signage and photo‑documentation standards. Sponsors said the apartment association is neutral and that stakeholder hearings produced a framework meant to balance parking management and consumers’ access to vehicles.

The Senate adopted HB 1117 by voice vote; the transcript records that “HB 25 11 17 is adopted.”

Why it matters: The bill standardizes consumer protections for drivers who may have their cars immobilized on private property, requiring clearer notice and documentation and restricting certain enforcement tactics. Sponsors framed it as protecting access to vehicles needed for work and family obligations.

Sources: Floor debate and committee reports on HB 1117, Colorado Senate (transcript).