Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House adopts towing reform to standardize rates, strengthen consumer protections and create oversight council
Summary
After months of negotiation, the House approved a towing reform bill that creates a Police Order Towing Council to recommend rate schedules, standardizes signage and consumer notices, and codifies complaint procedures; DMV will implement rate guidance with council input.
The Connecticut House voted to pass a comprehensive towing reform package negotiated with towers, municipal officials, police chiefs and consumer groups.
Representative Berger Gervalo, who shepherded the measure, described it as an attempt to codify consumer protections, standardize documentation and signage, and set consistent procedures so vehicle owners and property owners understand their rights. The bill creates a Police Order Towing Council that will recommend a rate schedule to the Department of Motor Vehicles by Jan. 1, 2026 and will re-evaluate rates at least every three years. The council will be populated by industry, municipal and consumer representatives appointed under the statute.
Floor questions described specific consumer protections: mandatory signage clarifying towing rules on private property, standardized authorization forms for property owners or lessees to sign for tows, and restrictions on booting private-property vehicles. The bill also sets a timeline for DMV complaint jurisdiction and clarifies medium- and heavy-duty towing investigation processes. Supporters said the measure balances fair compensation for towers with clearer protections for vehicle owners; the bill received broad support and passed by roll-call vote.
