Rep. Brent introduces amendments to motor vehicle storage legislation, protects Ohio consumers

State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) introduced two amendments to House Bill (HB) 132, which establishes standard procedures that allow the owner of a towing service or a storage facility to obtain the title to another individual’s motor vehicle.

“I introduced two amendments to HB 132 today that would provide consumer protection for Ohioans dealing with vehicle towing and storage companies,” said Rep. Brent. “When one’s car gets towed, the first thing most people will think is, ‘Where did my car go?’ A state website that tells people where their car is would be a simple way to help Ohioans whose cars have been towed. 

“My other amendment would have allowed for the ability to establish a payment plan for people when their cars are towed. Doing so is vital, especially now in a pandemic when people are in difficult financial situations. I’m disappointed the majority party would not include my amendments, as they are simple solutions that would have made this bill not just pro-business, but also pro-consumer.”

One of the proposed amendments would require the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish a website to provide information to the public regarding towed vehicles and the second requires towing facilities to make a good faith effort to create agreements with vehicle owners for fee payments.

Other changes proposed in Representative Brent’s amendments would have prevented facilities from taking ownership of the title unless there is a failure to pay the fees at an agreed upon date. Rep. Brent’s amendments would have extended this period from 60 to 90 days to provide vehicle owners with adequate time to provide proof of ownership.

Both of these amendments were tabled by Republicans and left out of the final bill.