Bill > HB42

This bill amends Alabama's laws regarding the reporting and handling of unclaimed or towed motor vehicles, introducing several key changes. The legislation defines an unclaimed motor vehicle as a vehicle left unattended on public roads, private, or public property for more than 48 hours without consent, and establishes new reporting requirements for such vehicles. Specifically, the bill requires persons in possession of an unclaimed motor vehicle to report it to the Department of Revenue within five calendar days, with an option to report towed vehicles immediately. The reporting must be done through the Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicle Portal, and the department will place a 60-day hold on the vehicle's title record. The bill mandates that the person reporting the unclaimed vehicle must use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to determine the vehicle's title or registration state and send a certified notice to the owner and lienholder with detailed information about the vehicle's location, charges, and potential abandonment. If the vehicle is not reclaimed within 30 days, it may be considered abandoned and potentially sold under the Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act. The bill also provides provisions for handling stolen vehicles, including the suspension of vehicle registration and title issuance procedures. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, providing ample time for implementation and preparation.

Business and Industry, Justice

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