NH House Testimony

SB617

Senate · 2026 sessionRepublicanSigned into law

Towing disputes and abandoned vehicle removal

AI

Extends deadlines for disputing motor vehicle towing and storage fees, requires invoices to disclose dispute procedures, and revises processes for maintaining the state police's contracted tow company list and removing abandoned vehicles.

(Second New Title) relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

Motor VehiclesPolice

Status

Signed into law · July 9, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. Senate
  3. House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

10 submissions
Support 8Oppose 2Neutral 0
Nicholas HobartSupportPortsmouth, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

I am writing in strong support of SB 617, particularly the provision that prohibits the DMV from suspending a driver's license due to unpaid debts owed to private towing or storage companies. Government should never use it's coercive power, such as suspending a fundamental right to travel, to act as a collection agency for private businesses. This practice is classic cronyism and violates basic principles of due process and voluntary contract. If a towing company has a legitimate claim, they should pursue it through civil courts, not by asking the state to punish the citizen on their behalf. I also support the added appeal rights for vehicle owners. A person's vehicle is their private property and clear due process protections against arbitrary towing are essential to prevent abuse. While I appreciate the goal of clearer procedures for removing abandoned vehicles from public highways, I urge the committee to ensure that any new regulations on tow companies do not create unnecessary barriers to entry or favor politically connected businesses. Real competition in the free market remains the best way to deliver good service at reasonable prices.

Aubrey FreedmanSupportBridgewater, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Pamela HardersSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Timothy FinneySupportBridgewater, NHfor Myselfflagged non-germaneApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Amy EricksonOpposeWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Linda BurnapOpposeWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Curtis HowlandSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Senator Daniel InnisSupportBradford, NHfor MyselfApr 30, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Howard HandlerSupportOak Brook, ILfor MyselfApr 14, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Senator Daniel InnisSupportBradford, NHfor MyselfApr 14, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.