This bill protects law enforcement officers, highway patrol agents, and towing companies from liability when they remove disabled or obstructed vehicles from highways and public areas—meaning the vehicle owner generally cannot sue them for damage to the vehicle unless the officers act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. The vehicle owner remains responsible for paying all removal costs. This creates a legal safe harbor for officials who need to quickly clear roads of hazardous or abandoned vehicles.
The amendment changes "must" to "may" for law enforcement removal of disabled vehicles and cargo, making removal discretionary rather than mandatory.
The bill clarified that removal agencies and private parties acting on behalf of authorities—not just government agents themselves—may remove disabled vehicles and are protected from liability except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The engrossed version's line numbers and formatting markings were removed for the enrolled version, which added signature pages and official filing information required for a bill passed into law.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 534
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 520
Signed by the President S.J. 470
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 492
House of Representatives Concurred in amendments Passed, YEAS 53, NAYS 12. H.J. 468
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 30, NAYS 3. S.J. 403
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 373
Transportation Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 17
Transportation Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 17
Transportation Motion to amend S.J. 17
Transportation Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Transportation S.J. 248
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 53, NAYS 13. H.J. 280
House of Representatives Remove from Consent Calendar H.J. 262
Transportation Certified uncontested, placed on consent H.J. 13
Transportation Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 0. H.J. 13
Transportation Motion to amend H.J. 13
Transportation Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Transportation H.J. 180
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Concurred in amendments
Do Pass Amended
Transportation — Do Pass Amended
Do Pass Amended
Transportation — Do Pass Amended