Panel advances private‑property towing reform, directs DPS study of enforcement

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved House Bill 23‑05 as amended after lengthy stakeholder meetings and testimony from operators, law‑enforcement officials, the trucking industry and consumer advocates.

Representative Leo Biasucci introduced the measure to create uniform signage, require photographic documentation prior to tow, set statewide release procedures and prohibit certain predatory practices. He said the bill grew from constituent complaints and stakeholder negotiations and included a study committee and a required Department of Public Safety report on whether a DPS compliance unit should be established.

Towing‑industry witnesses described operational needs and supported consistent rules; Connor Gleason, a long‑time Maricopa County towing operator, said a single statewide sign and transparent release process would reduce confusion and disputes. Trucking representatives and the Arizona Trucking Association voiced concerns about how nonconsensual and heavy‑duty tows are handled and urged stronger enforcement language; Tony Bradley said the bill should contain funding and concrete enforcement mechanisms for DPS to regulate statewide towing practices. County sheriffs and law‑enforcement witnesses urged consumer protections in rural areas and said interoperability with dispatch and evidence collection matters in nonconsensual tows.

The committee adopted the Finchem amendment to change several deadlines and require a DPS report by Dec. 31, 2026, on establishing a towing compliance and enforcement unit. Members asked the sponsor to continue negotiations and flagged cargo recovery and large‑truck safeguards as outstanding items.

The measure received a due‑pass recommendation; senators urged further refinements in conference and on the floor.