Council enacts Vehicle Recovery Act to ease vehicle release for families affected by ICE detentions

The Montgomery County Council on April 28 unanimously enacted Expedited Bill 14‑26, the Vehicle Recovery Act, which standardizes procedures for releasing towed vehicles when the registered owner is not present and clarifies documentation and indemnification requirements.

Joint Government Operations and Public Safety committees recommended amendments that relocate certain towing-code language, permit current or temporary registration rather than only Maryland registration, require proof of authorization from the owner rather than presuming an agent’s authority, and clarify that at least one form of documentation reasonably establishing a familial or household relationship is required.

"This bill will help reduce hurdles for families who have been impacted by ICE detentions," said Councilmember Kate Stewart, the committee chair, describing hearings that featured testimony about the hardship families face when attempting to retrieve vehicles after an ICE detention. The amendments were designed to preserve safeguards while easing procedural burdens for affected families.

The clerk called roll and the council recorded unanimous approval. The bill’s sponsors said county staff and local jurisdictions, including the City of Takoma Park Police Department and mutual aid groups, contributed to drafting the amendments. The council directed county staff to implement the code changes and specified that staff should provide guidance on documentation requirements.