Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-957

EPS 957

Involuntary Towing Council

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

“Section _.  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established an Involuntary Towing Council, which shall serve as a forum for representatives of the towing industry to meet with representatives of various state agencies responsible for the oversight, enforcement and regulation of involuntary towing.

The council shall evaluate current processes, practices and standards and (1) make recommendations for eliminating the duplication of work among various state agencies; (2) make recommendations to promote uniformity of enforcement and operational policies governing involuntary towing; (3) make recommendations to promote the timely clearance of involuntarily towed vehicles (4) consider and make recommendations relative to the impact state policies have on the ability or interest of towing companies to perform involuntary tows; (4) consider and recommend any new policies relative to improved safety measures, particularly as to the towing alternatively fueled motor vehicles; and (5) consider and make recommendations concerning any other matter deemed relevant by the council.

The Involuntary Towing Council shall consist of the following members: a representative of the Massachusetts Department of the State Police; a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities; a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; a representative from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles; a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services; a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection; four representatives of the Statewide Towing Association from different geographic regions; and a representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

The council shall elect a chairman, at the initial meeting of the committee, from its members who shall serve for a period co-terminus with the Governor. The chairman, or his/her designee, shall be responsible to organize each meeting, notify the members, formulate the agenda, provide a copy of the minutes following the meeting and such other duties as may be required. The council shall only make recommendations or take actions by a majority vote of all members present and voting.

The council may make recommendations as the council deems appropriate to the Governor, the General Court or any related state agencies. The council shall convene a meeting no less than four times a year and have at least one public hearing; provided it shall provide an annual report of its findings and activities before December 31st of each year to the respective House and Senate Clerks.”