Panel advances bill clarifying status of unclaimed vehicles left at repair shops

Representative Wright told the Commerce committee House Bill 2159 clarifies the status of vehicles that arrive at repair shops with no executed contract and establishes a process of good-faith attempts to contact owners before a vehicle is deemed abandoned. The sponsor said the bill addresses a recurring operational issue for shops and provides a clearer role for the Department of Revenue to determine whether sufficient contact attempts were made.

Members asked whether the amendment removes requirements for certified mail and the sponsor explained the amendment reorganizes the contact methods into at least three types and gives the Department of Revenue authority to assess whether contact was adequate. The clerk recorded a 21–0 vote advancing the bill to Calendar and Rules.