Bill > H441

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law to establish a more comprehensive process for notifying automobile lien holders and registered owners when their vehicles are towed and stored, particularly in cases of accidents, recovery from theft, or involuntary towing. The bill requires motor vehicle storage facilities to use vehicle identification numbers or plate numbers to identify registered owners and lien holders through the registry of motor vehicles' database system. Within 5 business days of storing a vehicle, the facility must notify the owner and lien holder by certified mail, explaining the recovery, transportation, and storage rates, and requesting confirmation of continued storage. If the owner does not respond within 14 days or remove the vehicle after payment, the storage facility must notify the lien holder again. After 30 days, if neither the owner nor lien holder has claimed the vehicle, the facility can sell the vehicle at public or private sale, providing at least three newspaper notices. From the sale proceeds, the facility can deduct all charges, notice costs, and sale expenses, and must provide a statement of the sale to the owner and lien holder. Any remaining balance must be paid first to the lien holder and then to the registered owner, or deposited with the local district court if addresses are unknown. The bill aims to create a clear, standardized process for handling stored vehicles while protecting the interests of both vehicle owners and lien holders.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H441