Public Safety - Department of State Police - Police-Initiated Towing - Alterations
HB0030 revises Maryland’s police-initiated towing framework administered by the Department of State Police. The bill adds a new definition for light-duty towing and recovery, defined as vehicles and trailers/semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and directs the Department to set approved rates for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing and recovery. It also continues the requirement that tow companies on the Department’s tow list may not use per-pound billing, and it preserves the rule that a vehicle owner may request a specific towing company, subject to limited safety and response-time exceptions.
The bill also expands the role of the Committee on Rate Setting and Complaint Resolution for Police-Initiated Towing and Recovery. In addition to recommending approved rates and a complaint-resolution process, the Committee must now review light-duty rates and, at least every three years, reconsider the approved rates. The bill further requires the Committee to examine and report on certain insurance-related issues, including vehicles registered and insured outside Maryland and the cost and cleanup of cargo and debris. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB0030 amends Sections 2-314 and 2-314.1 of the Public Safety Article in the Annotated Code of Maryland. It broadens the State Police towing rate-setting system to cover light-duty towing and recovery, not just medium- and heavy-duty services, and authorizes the Department to establish maximum approved rates for all three categories. It also updates the committee’s statutory duties, which may affect tow companies on the authorized tow list, vehicle owners involved in police-initiated tows, and agencies responsible for setting and enforcing towing rates and complaint procedures.
The available record suggests the bill was enacted without recorded opposition in the provided materials. Because there are no committee transcripts or vote tallies included, there is no direct evidence of debate or divided sentiment in the context provided. The final action—approval by the Governor as Chapter 527—indicates the measure had sufficient support to become law.
The main policy issues implicated by the bill are towing rates, billing practices, and the scope of State Police oversight. The bill appears designed to address how much tow companies may charge for police-initiated towing, including by extending rate regulation to light-duty towing and by continuing the prohibition on per-pound billing. Potential areas of concern include the effect of rate caps on tow company revenue, the administrative burden of complaint handling and rate review, and the insurance-related reporting duties added to the committee. No specific stakeholder objections or amendments are documented in the materials provided.