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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: ATT DPA 5-2-0-0 | Third Read 26-3-1-0 |
SB 1366: study committee; towing
Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Overview
Establishes the Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee (Study Committee). Lists the Study Committee's membership and outlines its duties. Adds reporting requirements for the Study Committee. Repeals the Study Committee on October 1, 2028.
History
A person may not operate a tow truck for the purpose of towing vehicles without first registering with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and obtaining a permit pursuant to the rules that govern tow trucks and that are adopted by DPS (A.R.S. § 28-1108).
The administrative charges established related to vehicle immobilization, impounding and storage must be $150 and must not be charged to a towing company that performs removal, immobilization, impoundment, storage or release of the vehicle. The immobilizing or impounding agency must collect any administrative charges at the time of the release of the vehicle unless the vehicle is stolen and the theft was reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
If the immobilizing agency is DPS, the administrative charges collected established related to vehicle immobilization, impounding and storage shall be deposited, in the Arizona highway patrol fund (A.R.S. §28-3513).
Provisions
1. Creates the Study Committee, consisting of:
a. two members of the Senate who are appointed by the Senate President and are not members of the same political party, with one member serving as a cochair as appointed by the President;
b. two members of the House of Representatives who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who are not members of the same political party, with one member serving as a cochair as appointed by the Speaker;
c. one member who represents a statewide public property towing association, dedicated to advancing the training, safety and professionalism of tow truck operators and that operates in an urban county with a population of more than 800,000, who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
d. one member who represents the public property towing industry, that operates in a rural county with a population of 800,000 or less, who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
e. one member who represents DPS who is appointed by the Governor. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires the Study Committee to:
a. review current fees, rates, fines and administrative charges for DPS initiated accident, arrest, breakdown, disabled and abandoned vehicle tows;
b. examine the qualifications and operational standards for public property towing companies to be considered qualified for government-authorized towing of vehicles;
c. evaluate minimum insurance requirements and background check standards for towing company owners and operators; and
d. review the impact of the laws of this state and rules and DPS policies relating to public property towing. (Sec. 1)
3. Allows the Study Committee to:
a. request information and data from state and local agencies regarding towing contracts and impound statistics; and
b. hold public hearings to receive testimony from industry experts, law enforcement agencies and the public. (Sec. 1)
4. Requires the Study Committee, by January 1, 2027, to submit a report of its finding and recommendations for administrative or legislative action to the Governor, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a copy of the report to the Secretary of State. (Sec. 1)
5. Excludes Study Committee members from eligibility to receive compensation, unless it is for travel expense reimbursement. (Sec. 1)
6. Repeals the Study Committee on October 1, 2028. (Sec. 1)
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10. Initials LM/IC SB 1366
11. 3/3/2026 Page 0 Transportation & Infrastructure
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