Study committee convenes to review towing, impound practices under SB 13 66

The Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee met to begin work required by Senate Bill 13 66, a 2026 law that the committee’s research analyst said establishes a study to recommend administrative or legislative changes.

“My name is Katie Sherman. I’m an Assistant Research Analyst on with the Senate. And I will be providing a brief overview of the committee charge as outlined by Senate Bill 13 66,” Katie Sherman said, summarizing the committee’s four required tasks: review current fees and administrative charges for DPS-initiated tows; examine qualifications and operational standards for companies that tow for government agencies; evaluate minimum insurance and background checks for operators; and review the impact of state law, rules and DPS policy on public-property towing. Sherman also noted the committee must submit findings by 2026-12-31 and will repeal 2027-10-01.

Co-chair Senator Gallen said the group’s immediate priorities are assessing the $25 daily impound/storage rate, considering a fuel surcharge, and studying motorhome abandonment and associated fees. Members asked DPS staff for call-distribution and response-time data and agreed staff would supply an initial report before the next meeting so the committee can pursue focused follow-ups.

The meeting closed with the committee asking DPS and industry stakeholders to provide the requested records and proposals; members said future sessions will drill into rotation and transparency, enforcement and EV-related insurance and storage issues.