House Bill 577

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] TOWING SERVICES OVERSIGHT AND ADVISORY BOARD--CREATED--MEMBERSHIP--DUTIES.--

          A. The "towing services oversight and advisory board" is created in the department of transportation to provide recommendations, oversight and regulatory guidance to the department regarding the operations of licensed towing services. The towing services oversight and advisory board consists of twelve members, including six primary members and six alternate members. One primary member and one alternate member shall be from each of the six state transportation commission districts.

          B. The towing services oversight and advisory board shall:

                (1) review and provide recommendations on department of transportation policies, regulations and procedures related to towing services;

                (2) propose improvements to service standards and compliance requirements;

                (3) evaluate citizen complaints regarding towing services and ensure that complaints are properly investigated and resolved;

                (4) facilitate mediation for towing-related disputes arising between citizens and towing services;

                (5) assess whether licensed towing services are complying with state regulations and contractual obligations;

                (6) conduct audits and inspections as necessary to verify compliance with industry standards;

                (7) submit quarterly reports to the department of transportation summarizing activities, findings, complaints, resolutions, licensed towing services that are out of compliance and recommendations;

                (8) engage with state agencies, industry associations and community representatives to promote regulatory transparency and public awareness; and

                (9) provide education to towing service providers and the public on towing regulations, consumer rights and responsibilities.

          C. The department of transportation shall seek, interview, evaluate and select members of the towing services oversight and advisory board. The department shall seek candidates from stakeholders within the towing and transportation industry, including towing service owners and operators, industry associations and department of transportation representatives. Members shall have professional experience in towing operations, transportation regulations, customer service, legal matters or community advocacy.

          D. Selections to the towing services oversight and advisory board shall be made by January 1, 2026. The terms of service of appointed members shall start on January 1, 2026. The terms shall be three years, and the initial terms shall be staggered so that the terms of three primary members and three alternate members expire at the end of the initial two years and the terms of the remaining members expire at the end of the initial three years. The initial terms shall be selected by random drawing.

          E. The towing services oversight and advisory board shall meet not less than quarterly at the call of the chair or the secretary of transportation. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and the support of a majority of the quorum is required for adoption of any action. Members of the advisory board shall select a chair and vice chair from among its members.

          F. Public members of the towing services oversight and advisory board are entitled to receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

          G. The department of transportation shall provide staffing, resources, funding and administrative support necessary for the operation of the towing services oversight and advisory board.