HB643 Alabama 2013 Session

Under existing law, there is no limit on the rates charged by towing companies to tow vehicles or to store vehicles that have been towed

This bill would limit the rates charged by towing companies to tow and store vehicles under certain circumstances

This bill would require a towing company operator to obtain approval of its towing and storage rates from the Department of Public Safety

This bill would provide civil and criminal penalties for towing companies who charge excessive rates in violation of the act and who fail to obtain approval of towing and storage rates

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

Relating to towing companies; to limit the rates charged by towing companies to tow and store vehicles under certain circumstances; to require approval of towing rates by the Department of Public Safety; to provide civil and criminal penalties for violations; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.