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Bill

HB 788

Vehicle crash reports; open to inspection by towing and recovery operators.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Austin and 1 co-sponsor

Grants towing and recovery operators access to vehicle crash reports filed with law enforcement, enabling better assessment of accident scenes and recovery operations.

Referred to Committee on Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 788

Legislative bill overview

HB 788 allows towing and recovery operators to access and inspect vehicle crash reports that are filed with law enforcement. Previously, these reports were not routinely available to tow operators. The bill creates a new inspection right for this specific class of service providers.

Why is this important

Towing operators argue this access enables them to better understand accident scenes, assess vehicle damage, and streamline recovery operations more safely and efficiently. However, it creates a new exception to crash report confidentiality, potentially affecting privacy interests of drivers and others involved in accidents.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Crash reports may contain sensitive personal information about drivers, passengers, and accident circumstances that tow operators don't inherently need to access
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether operators can access reports before being contracted for a specific tow, or only after involvement, and what information they can use it for
  • Insurance and liability implications: Access to official reports could create new legal or competitive pressures between towing companies or conflicts with insurance investigations

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

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