A Legislative Update

The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week to prohibit predatory towing and modernize self-storage laws.

My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the legislature.

Prohibiting Towing Services from Employing Spotters: Substitute House Bill 113 prohibits private towing services from knowingly employing or compensating a spotter. A spotter is someone who reports the presence of an unauthorized parked vehicle for the purpose of towing, removing, or impounding that vehicle. Substitute House Bill 113 will protect Ohioans from excessive towing and will prevent towing companies from financially benefitting from the use of spotters.

Modernizing Self-Storage Laws: House Bill 172 updates the statutes governing self-storage facilities that were created in the early 1980s. House Bill 172 authorizes e-mail and private delivery services to be used as methods of delivering notices regarding self-storage facilities. This bill will also allow the sale of property to take place via an online auction and adds the requirement that no fewer than three bidders must register, view or attend a sale, similar to in-person auctions. Additionally, House Bill 172 states that “trailers” are to be treated the same as vehicles and watercraft and adds discretion on when an owner or operator must tow. 

In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.