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Bill > SB577


MD SB577

MD SB577
Vehicle Laws - Towing of Vehicles from Parking Lots - Civil Action for Nonpayment


summary

Introduced
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Authorizing a person in possession of a towed vehicle to require the owner of the vehicle to present a valid government-issued photo identification card before retaking possession of the vehicle without payment; authorizing a tower to bring a civil action against a vehicle owner who withholds payment for retaking the vehicle; etc.

AI Summary

This bill, concerning the towing of vehicles from private parking lots, allows the entity possessing a towed vehicle to require the vehicle's owner to show a valid government-issued photo ID before reclaiming the vehicle without immediate payment. It also grants towing companies the ability to file a civil lawsuit to recover payment from a vehicle owner who takes their car without paying or pays with a credit card and then disputes the charge, with such lawsuits allowed to be filed no sooner than 10 days after the vehicle's release and potentially awarding the towing company the towing charges, liquidated damages up to $1,000, court costs, and attorney fees if the towing is deemed valid.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate Judicial Proceedings Hearing (13:00:00 2/19/2026 ) (on 02/19/2026)

bill text


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