The PTROI, as one of its primary missions, represents the positions of its membership both in Springfield with state legislators and in Washington DC with federal legislation.
The PTROI works to ensure any new legislation pertaining to the towing and recovery industry is not contrary to the interests of Illinois towers. In addition the Association fights to secure updated legislation for road and weight classifications and limitations as industry equipment evolves.

In the past the PTROI has fought and won battles at the state level by securing:

1. Chicago city limit access law- securing the right of towers to operate on the expressways within the city of Chicago.
2. Abandoned vehicle law- Providing a venue for Illinois towers to attempt to collect from customers abandoning their vehicle with a tower.
3. Optional Light Law- Changed law from “must use lights” to “may use lights” to provide a more safe environment for operators.
4. Scott’s Law- Worked to have tow trucks included in the law requiring drivers to make a lane change and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles
5. Access to Secretary of State database for title and owner information.
6. Heavy duty-  secured the permits to increase the weights of the axels Increased tri-axle weights from 56k 60k

As important, the Association has worked to halt legislation which would have put undue burden to Illinois towers and have worked for a more amenable solution.  

Bill, HB 4694 which passed the House remains in the Senate Rules Committee.

I am working with Senator Maloney on getting the bill out of the Rules Committee. It is my opinion that the “hold” is a result of the “rules language” attached to the bill by the Speaker. As we discussed a couple weeks ago the Senate President indicated he will not call any House bills with the language attached. The Speaker has indicated he will not call any bill for final passage without it. There are recent rumors that both have softened their positions and will handle on a case by case basis.

This is indicative the environment that exists in our State Capitol today. No communication, no cooperation, no progress on a state budget, no progress of a capital/jobs bill, no economic stimulus package, and good legislation like HB 4694 getting stuck in the mess.

House Bill 4694 McCarthy/Maloney contains the following:

1. Fee Structural – four tier: $800 for 1 truck, $1200 for 2 to 3 trucks, $1800 for 4 to 6 trucks, $2400 for 7 to 8 trucks, $3200 for 9 or more trucks.

2. Solicitation @ the Scene – Wreck Chasing Modeled after a New Orleans Ordinance.

3. 3rd Party Authorization with Disclosures

4. Exemptions (Clarify Applicability)
a. Towing @ request of law enforcement.
b. Towing authorized pursuant to a pre-existing contract establishing a predetermined cost of all relocation, storage and other fees.

5. Exempts New Vehicle Dealers

HB 4694 does not include the removal of the below sections of SB 435 pertaining to unlawful practice which would violate the consumer fraud and deceptive business practice act.

1. 18d-115: Operation without a valid safety relocator’s registration certificate.

2. 18-120: Disclosure to vehicle owner or operator before towing of damaged or disabled vehicle commences. Tower must of specific authorization from vehicle owner or operator and provide written disclosure with certain information.

3. 18-125: Disclosure to vehicle owners or operators: invoices

4. 18-130: Signage at facility concerning customer rights.

5. 18-135: Records available for inspection.

6. 18-150: waiver or limitation of liability.

The consumer fraud act provides for an array fo remedies, including punitive damages and attorney fees. Most towing services are small to medium sized whose financial viability could be threatened by remedies available under this act.

State Farm and AG have issues with Removal of a-f.

Towards the end of April the ICC, who is definitely not our partner in this proposed an amendment to establish a Cab Card to be carried and displayed in each vehicle and a fee to be paid for the issuance of the card. I didn’t get any feedback so I told the commission we were supportive of the cab card but not the fee. We are already paying enough.

Rory was also concerned about some sections of SB 435 that really have no business being applied to motor club tows. We are moving towards and exemption similar to that being afforded new car dealers.

This will be part of a senate amendment if we can get the bill out of Rules.

Another bill of interest:

HB 4651 Joyce (2nd Reading House – Deadline Extended)

Amends the criminal code and establishes the Billy Grant Law. Creates the offense of negligent vehicular homicide of an emergency worker. Amended to define emergency worker as a worker whose presence at the scene is solicited by a peace officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT or emergency management worker.