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IllinoisSB2040104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

VEHICLE CD-SAFETY TOWING

Sponsored By: Celina Villanueva (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentstransportationtransportation: vehicles & safety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger towing rights for vehicle owners

Before a damaged or disabled car is towed, the tow company must get clear permission and give a written form. The form must list the company’s name, where the car will go, all fees, and your rights; you get a copy and they must keep one for five years. If the owner is incapacitated, the company must give the form to police and the insurer; police-authorized tows do not need prior permission. Your car must be taken to a Commission-registered lot unless you ask in writing for another place, and the car is released after you pay the disclosed charges. Many personal items are protected from the tow company’s lien, like child seats, glasses, food, medicine, medical devices, perishable items, your license, cash and financial papers, some documents, and college textbooks. Other personal items can be returned if you are the owner or an immediate family member with written permission and the owner shows insurance that will cover towing and storage; cargo is still subject to the lien.

Tougher rules for tow businesses

Tow businesses must list a main business address and every storage and redemption lot, and they must own or lease each site. Listing a place you cannot use or failing to list sites counts as a serious false statement. The Commission can deny, suspend, or revoke a registration for false statements, hidden owners, or subterfuge, and can bar a new registration for up to three years. Every relocator must keep a registered agent with a physical Illinois address who is available in business hours. The Commission can demand records, investigate, and fine up to $1,000 per violation, with each day counting as a separate violation; responsible officers or managers can also face penalties.

Unpaid fines sideline tow trucks

Commission police can seize and impound a tow truck if it was used without a valid relocator registration or the owner owes past‑due fines. Owners and lienholders get certified notice within two business days. To release the truck, the owner can pay a $1,000 administrative fine plus any other fines, post a bond equal to those fines, or request a hearing; a hearing must be requested within 15 calendar days and held within 10 business days. The Commission must issue a final demand before referring unpaid fees, fines, or penalties to the Secretary of State. Beginning July 1, 2026, after the Commission certifies unpaid fines and the Secretary of State gives notice, all tow‑truck registrations for that person are suspended 30 days later unless the Commission reports payment or error. The owner can request an administrative hearing on the suspension.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Celina Villanueva

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Debbie Meyers-Martin

    Democratic • House

  • Harry Benton

    Democratic • House

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Margaret Croke

    Democratic • House

  • Matt Hanson

    Democratic • House

  • Michael J. Kelly

    Democratic • House

  • William "Will" Davis

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 0

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 0

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 55 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Transportation;

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass Transportation;

Yes: 17 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0133

    8/1/2025Senate

  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/1/2025Senate

  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025Senate

  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 115-000-000

    5/22/2025House

  7. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin

    5/14/2025House

  8. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House

  9. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House

  10. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Harry Benton

    4/24/2025House

  11. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Matt Hanson

    4/24/2025House

  12. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly

    4/24/2025House

  13. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Margaret Croke

    4/24/2025House

  14. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    4/23/2025House

  15. Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 012-000-000

    4/23/2025House

  16. Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety

    4/17/2025House

  17. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/7/2025House

  18. First Reading

    4/7/2025House

  19. Chief House Sponsor Rep. William "Will" Davis

    4/4/2025House

  20. Arrived in House

    4/4/2025House

  21. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    4/3/2025Senate

  22. Third Reading - Passed; 055-000-000

    4/3/2025Senate

  23. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 20, 2025

    3/19/2025Senate

  24. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Villanueva

    3/19/2025Senate

  25. Second Reading

    3/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

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