MississippiSB 28482026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Towing and sale of motor vehicles; revise records and notification requirements related to.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Towing rules protect vehicle owners

Beginning July 1, 2026, a vehicle may be towed only at the owner's request, at law enforcement's direction, or at the property owner's or representative's request. Towing companies must record who requested a tow and keep those records for three years. If required request details are missing, towing and storage fees are waived unless the company proves the owner requested the tow. For most tows, companies must report the tow within 24 hours, look for owner and lienholder information within two business days if the owner has not called, and mail notice within seven days. If charges remain unpaid 30 days after the tow, a sale notice is required; an auction can follow if the vehicle is not claimed within ten days after that notice. Notices must be searchable online for at least two weeks before auction.

Abandoned vehicle notices and lien claims

Beginning July 1, 2026, authorized handlers must send lienholders certified notice within seven days of receiving an abandoned vehicle. Lienholders have 30 days after receiving notice to make a claim. Notices must be searchable online for at least three weeks before an auction, and owners and lienholders must also receive sale notices by certified mail. When the owner or lienholders cannot be found under the stated conditions, a county newspaper notice once a week for three weeks can satisfy the notice rules. If no lienholder claims a vehicle that will be sold for parts, destroyed, or dismantled, the Department of Revenue removes its liens after receiving required records and a written statement. Motor vehicle dealers are exempt from the referenced vendor rules.

New oversight for towing notice vendors

Beginning July 1, 2026, vendors that handle towing notices must be approved by the Department of Revenue. Approval may require a $1 million bond, a data-security and internal-controls audit by a licensed certified public accountant, and the ability to provide required data electronically. Approved vendors must keep notice records for five years, allow Department inspections, and provide annual bond evidence and an audit or equivalent. These requirements add costs for vendors while giving the state tools to oversee the notice system.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Josh Harkins
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 335 • No: 7

House vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 48 • No: 4

House vote • 3/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 117 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2026