Committee passes bill requiring towing companies to post towed-vehicle listings online; $2 per listing fee

House Bill 1811, presented by Representative Craig Christiansen, would require towing companies to post towed-vehicle notices on a website hosted by the Towing and Recovery Board and to continue newspaper publication when a newspaper is available. Christiansen said the change would make it easier for motorists searching for towed vehicles and reduce time and charges accrued by owners who cannot promptly locate their vehicle.

Christiansen said the measure struck a compromise with the press association by retaining newspaper publication so the two-year rollout can provide comparative data on website usage versus newspapers. He told the committee that tow companies would face an increased cost of about $2 per listing to use the board's website but that the state would see no net revenue impact. Senator Pitch and other members discussed collecting usage data and whether the press requirement should be removed; Christiansen said maintaining both publication methods will allow a meaningful comparison.

Representative Christiansen closed and the committee voted to advance HB 1811 by voice vote after a motion by Senator English and second by Senator Eades; members responded "aye."