Bill > SB617

This bill revises the procedures for the New Hampshire State Police's use of a list of contracted tow companies, known as the "tow list," which is used to remove abandoned or disabled vehicles. Key changes include expanding the background check requirements from just "tow truck drivers" to all "employees" of tow businesses who might respond to a call, and clarifying the definition of an "employee" to include anyone who physically responds to a tow call. The bill also updates the definitions of different types of tow trucks and tow businesses, and modifies rules regarding how tow businesses can be removed from or return to the tow list, including consequences for failing to meet response times or for patterns of non-response. Furthermore, it strengthens the disciplinary actions the director of state police can take against tow businesses for violations, allowing for suspensions of up to two years or permanent removal from the list, with a minimum two-year waiting period to reapply. The bill also grants the director the authority to immediately suspend a tow business for imminent public health, safety, or welfare concerns, subject to specific hearing requirements.