Committee clears bill to regulate private‑property vehicle 'booting' with consumer protections

The House transportation committee on March 17 returned SB1205 with a due‑pass recommendation after hearing industry testimony and member questions about consumer protections and enforcement.

Staff described the bill as a framework allowing cities and towns to adopt ordinances regulating private‑property booting, including signage requirements, fee limits and penalties. Steve Barclay of Concilium Consulting, testifying for Premium Parking and Admiral Enforcement, said those firms asked for regulation: “They came to us and said, we actually think we need regulation here.” Barclay told the committee the draft borrows consumer protections from towing statutes: mandatory signage, 24/7 access for drivers, limits on the booting fee and a dispute resolution process.

Members asked how the booting timeframes are tracked and what happens if a boot is not removed within 30 or 60 minutes; Barclay said firms are monitored electronically and “you have to keep records on all this,” and the bill reduces the boot fee by half after 30 minutes and prohibits the booting fee after 60 minutes. Barclay also said the bill prescribes misdemeanor penalties for violations of the booting rules.

After members raised additional technical questions — notably where vehicle‑license‑tax revenue would be directed — the committee adopted the motion to return SB1205 with a due‑pass recommendation (committee vote reported 5–0 with 2 absent). The bill, proponents said, does not require municipalities to adopt booting but provides a statewide framework if they choose to regulate private‑property immobilization services.