Bill > H354

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts laws to create a standardized process for notifying automobile lien holders when a vehicle is towed and stored. Specifically, the bill requires motor vehicle storage facilities to use vehicle identification numbers or license plate numbers to identify the registered owner and lien holder through the registry of motor vehicles' database. Within 5 business days of storing a vehicle, the facility must notify the owner and lien holder by certified mail, detailing the recovery, transportation, and storage rates, and asking if they want the vehicle to remain in storage. If the lien holder pays the current charges, they can retrieve the vehicle. If the owner does not respond within 14 days or fails to remove the vehicle, the storage facility must notify the lien holder again. After 30 days, if neither the owner nor lien holder claims the vehicle, the facility can sell the vehicle at public or private sale after publishing notice three times in a local newspaper. From the sale proceeds, the facility can deduct storage charges, notice costs, and sale expenses. 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 no address is known. The bill ensures a clear, standardized process for handling abandoned vehicles while protecting the interests of both vehicle owners and lien holders.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H354