Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Abandoned Vehicles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee considers two abandoned-vehicle amendments; DMV says it has no issues with proposed changes
Summary
The committee reviewed two amendments addressing abandoned vehicles: one would require sale or appraised excess value be delivered to the treasurer as unclaimed property; the other would require DMV to post and maintain an online list and contact information for applicants and provide a 21'day notice window. DMV Deputy Commissioner Russo testified the agency is "fine with both amendments."
The House Transportation Committee reviewed two proposed amendments aimed at clarifying how abandoned motor vehicles are handled and how residual value is returned to owners or the state.
Legislative Counsel summarized Representative Southworth's amendment, which would require that when a towing company takes title to an abandoned vehicle it may recover towing and storage charges and that any sale proceeds or appraised value in excess of those charges be reported to the state treasurer and deposited into the unclaimed property system if not otherwise claimed. Counsel described mechanisms for calculating excess value (sale within 90 days or JD Power appraisal) and the process for reporting the difference to the treasurer.
Members worried about incentives for towers to refurbish vehicles and the administrative burden of valuation and reporting. One lawmaker said towers might be unmotivated to improve a vehicle if excess value would not accrue to them; counsel said the sponsor could change drafting if the intent was different.
Representative Tomlinson's amendment would require DMV to post, and keep current, a public list of vehicles for which a certificate of abandoned motor vehicle application has been filed; the listing would include VIN or plate, make, model year, applicant contact and, once a certificate is issued, information on how to contact the treasurer's unclaimed property division. Counsel explained there is a 21'day period between application and issuance, during which the online notice would be posted.
DMV Deputy Commissioner Russo told the committee the agency had no issues with either amendment. "As written, we are the DMV is fine with both amendments," Russo said, and described certified'mail outreach and other checks the agency performs to locate owners before title is transferred. The committee asked for additional detail from the treasurer's unclaimed property division and planned to invite the treasurer's office to testify the following morning.
What happens next: the committee will hear from the treasurer's office to clarify unclaimed property procedures and may invite towing industry representatives for operational input if the amendments move forward as committee or floor amendments.
