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MarylandSB 05782026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Safety - Department of State Police - Police-Initiated Towing - Alterations

Sponsored By: Mary-Dulany James (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyCommittees and CommissionsMotor Vehicle InsurancePrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexReportsShipping -see also- Delivery ServicesState Police, Department ofTowing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State committee to set tow rates

Beginning October 1, 2026, a state committee helps set approved towing rates and improve complaint handling. It includes towing industry, trucking groups, State Police, highway officials, and the insurance regulator. Members serve 3‑year terms, get staff support, no pay, and expense reimbursement. The committee meets at least every 3 years, gathers input, and studies out‑of‑state insurance and cargo/debris cleanup costs.

New complaint process for police tows

Beginning October 1, 2026, you, your driver, or your designee can file a complaint about a police‑ordered tow. The State Police must take complaints, investigate, and decide cases. They can suspend or remove a tow company from the State Police tow list.

Limits on police-ordered towing prices

Beginning October 1, 2026, the State Police set maximum approved rates for light‑, medium‑, and heavy‑duty tows done under police direction. The approved light‑duty rate must be no more than 80% of the approved medium‑duty rate. Tow companies on the State Police list cannot charge by the pound. The law does not set dollar amounts; the Department sets them based on a new committee’s recommendations.

Police towing now covers all vehicles

Beginning October 1, 2026, police‑initiated towing rules apply to all motor vehicles, not just commercial ones. The law also defines light‑duty towing as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including trailers and semitrailers. If your car is towed at the direction of State Police, it falls under these rules and related charges.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary-Dulany James

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 528

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {783527/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/9/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/6/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {843927/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/2/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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