Rep. Brent introduces consumer protection amendment to motor vehicle storage legislation

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) introduced an amendment Tuesday to House Bill (HB) 345, 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.

“My amendment to HB 345 is vital to ensuring that Ohio consumers are thoroughly protected when dealing with vehicle towing and storage companies. This will bring transparency to the procedures that surround fee payment and title ownership of motor vehicles,” said Rep. Brent.

Rep. Brent’s proposed amendment requires the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety to establish a website to provide information to the public regarding towed vehicles and requires towing facilities to make a good faith effort to create agreements with vehicle owners for fee payments. Rep. Brent’s amendment, which was offered during a hearing in a House Transportation and Public Safety Committee meeting, prevents facilities from taking ownership of the title unless there is a failure to pay the fees at an agreed upon date.

Furthermore, the amendment extends the time frame from 60 to 90 days to provide vehicle owners with adequate time to provide proof of ownership.