Bill to add hail, fire and other title brands clears committee unanimously

Representative Tusher presented House Bill 228 (second substitute) after a constituent discovered a vehicle had undisclosed hail damage and earlier had been totaled in another state. The sponsor said current Utah law recognizes only "rebuilt" and "flood damage" titles and that HB228 would add commonly used brands — including hail damage, fire damage, gray market, stolen and recovered, and rebuilt/restored — and require the Division to consult the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System before issuing a new Utah title.

Representative Tusher said the change is meant to improve disclosure for consumers and prevent vehicles with prior total losses from receiving ‘‘clean’’ titles in Utah. The bill does not change the safety inspection or vehicle restoration process; it is focused on title disclosure. There was no opposition in the room, the sponsor waived closing, and the committee passed the second substitute unanimously to the floor.

Next steps: HB228 proceeds to the Senate floor for further consideration.