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HB 1405

Commercial Law - Vehicles Towed or Removed From Parking Lots - Statutory Liens and Administrative Hearings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen

Bill establishes statutory lien rights and administrative hearing procedures for tow companies removing vehicles from parking lots, withdrawn by sponsor in February 2025.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1405

Legislative bill overview

HB 1405 would establish statutory lien rights and administrative hearing procedures for towing companies that remove vehicles from parking lots in Maryland. The bill aims to create a standardized legal framework for tow operators to recover unpaid towing and storage fees while ensuring vehicle owners have access to dispute resolution before losing possession of their vehicles.

Why is this important

Towing disputes frequently create conflicts between parking lot owners, tow companies, and vehicle owners, with significant financial and practical consequences. Clear statutory procedures could reduce litigation costs and provide due process protections, though the balance between protecting tow operators' legitimate claims and preventing abusive practices is critical to public interest.

Potential points of contention

  • Lien enforcement authority: Questions about whether tow companies should have unilateral power to establish liens or if additional oversight is necessary to prevent predatory practices
  • Administrative hearing timeline: Disputes over how quickly hearings must occur and whether owners can recover vehicles before final adjudication if fees are contested
  • Fee regulation: Whether the bill adequately addresses what constitutes reasonable towing and storage charges, or if it allows excessive fees to accumulate unchecked

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

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