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Bill

LD 831

An Act Regarding Abandoned Vehicles Due To Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Ankeles and 4 co-sponsors

Bill would have protected people in involuntary psychiatric care from vehicle abandonment fees and towing costs, but died in committee after receiving an Ought Not To Pass recommendation.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#abandoned #motorvehicles #ownerpsychiatrichospitalization
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Bill Summary · LD 831

Legislative bill overview

LD 831 would have provided legal protections and procedures for individuals whose vehicles are abandoned or towed while they are involuntarily hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. The bill aimed to establish a process allowing hospitalized individuals to recover their vehicles without incurring certain fees or penalties that normally apply to abandoned vehicles.

Why is this important

Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization can last days or weeks, during which a person's vehicle may be declared abandoned and towed at significant financial cost. This bill addresses a practical gap where vulnerable individuals facing mental health crises could return from treatment to find their vehicle removed and face substantial recovery fees they cannot afford, creating additional financial hardship during recovery.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Questions about whether the state, hospitals, or towing companies should absorb costs for waived fees and storage, or whether this shifts financial burden unfairly
  • Scope and eligibility: Defining which psychiatric holds qualify and whether protections extend to all involuntary hospitalizations or only specific circumstances
  • Implementation clarity: Uncertainty about how hospitals would coordinate with towing companies and municipalities to implement the exemption consistently across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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