PennsylvaniaSB 7792025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in trade and commerce, providing for the offense of unlawful towing and towing storage facility practices; and . . . imposing penalties.

Sponsored By: Joe Picozzi (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Towing operators face fines and impoundment

Beginning 150 days after enactment, operating-rule violations carry fines up to $750 per violation, or $1,500 for repeat violations. Accident-scene, vehicle-retention, and fee violations are third-degree misdemeanors carrying fines up to $2,500. Repeat violations of those rules can be second-degree misdemeanors, with fines up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison. For a third or later violation of those rules, police may impound the operator's tow truck. Impoundment continues until penalties are satisfied and compliance is shown as required by a court.

New protections for Pennsylvania towing customers

The law takes effect 150 days after enactment. Pennsylvania towing businesses must register with the Department of Transportation and maintain a public street address accessible during posted hours. Tow trucks must display the business name, address, and phone number. Storage facilities must post fees and hours; operators must also provide this information and itemize charges in writing. At accident scenes, operators cannot solicit or tow unless summoned by the driver, owner, police, or authorized municipal staff. Operators must give owners or drivers who are present written contact information for retrieving their vehicles. Towing requires the owner's or driver's signature authorizing repairs or storage beyond 24 hours. Operators must accept cash, major credit cards, and checks from insurers or authorized towers or salvors acting for insurers. They must release vehicles during posted hours after charges are paid, unless police request a hold. They cannot charge storage fees while unreasonably denying access, and must allow authorized repair and damage-appraisal inspections. Municipalities can establish towing rotation rules, which apply when officials select a towing operator.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Picozzi

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Arthur L Haywood III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Christopher Gebhard

    Republican • Senate

  • Christine M. Tartaglione

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cris Dush

    Republican • Senate

  • Daniel Laughlin

    Republican • Senate

  • Devlin J. Robinson

    Republican • Senate

  • Elder A. Vogel Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Greg Rothman

    Republican • Senate

  • Jarrett Coleman

    Republican • Senate

  • Kristin Phillips-Hill

    Republican • Senate

  • Maria Collett

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nick Miller

    Democratic • Senate

  • Patrick J. Stefano

    Republican • Senate

  • Rosemary M. Brown

    Republican • Senate

  • Sharif Street

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steven J. Santarsiero

    Democratic • Senate

  • Timothy P. Kearney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tracy Pennycuick

    Republican • Senate

  • Vincent J. Hughes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Wayne D. Fontana

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 384 • No: 10

committee vote • 7/12/2026

16 1

Yes: 16 • No: 1

committee vote • 7/11/2026

31 6

Yes: 31 • No: 6

House vote • 6/29/2026

Senate Bill 779 PN1820 A03881

Yes: 202 • No: 0

committee vote • 6/17/2026

26 0

Yes: 26 • No: 0

committee vote • 6/17/2026

24 2

Yes: 24 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Senate Bill 779 PN0843, Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 1

committee vote • 6/26/2025

22 0

Yes: 22 • No: 0

committee vote • 6/23/2025

14 0

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Act No. 46 of 2026

    7/20/2026Governor
  2. Approved by the Governor

    7/20/2026Governor
  3. Presented to the Governor

    7/12/2026Senate
  4. Signed in House

    7/12/2026Senate
  5. Signed in Senate

    7/12/2026Senate
  6. Senate concurred in House amendments (49-1)

    7/12/2026Senate
  7. Re-reported on concurrence, as committed

    7/12/2026Senate
  8. Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations

    7/12/2026Senate
  9. Third consideration and final passage (193-9)

    7/12/2026House
  10. Re-reported as committed

    7/12/2026House
  11. Re-referred to Appropriations

    6/29/2026House
  12. Second consideration, with amendments

    6/29/2026House
  13. Removed from table

    6/24/2026House
  14. Laid on the table

    6/17/2026House
  15. First consideration

    6/17/2026House
  16. Reported as amended

    6/17/2026House
  17. Referred to Judiciary

    6/30/2025House
  18. Third consideration and final passage (49-1)

    6/26/2025Senate
  19. Re-reported as committed

    6/26/2025Senate
  20. Re-referred to Appropriations

    6/25/2025Senate
  21. Second consideration

    6/24/2025Senate
  22. First consideration

    6/23/2025Senate
  23. Reported as committed

    6/23/2025Senate
  24. Referred to Judiciary

    5/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

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