Virginia Tow Bill Permits Surcharge

Virginia lawmakers have passed a bill, HB 1649, that would allow towing operators from local municipalities to add a $20 fuel surcharge, on top of the $150 that can be charged for nonconsensual tows.

The $20 surcharge is a compromise, as it was $30 when introduced in the House by Del. Scott Wyatt, R-Hanover. Wyatt and supporters testified that small businesses are paying more to fill their vehicles’ gas tanks.

“I would never have thought this bill to assist small family-owned businesses would create so much debate in committees and both bodies,” said Wyatt during a Feb. 23 floor vote. “These small businesses are just trying to pay their employees a little more during tough economic times.”

Michael Croker, of Shanks Towing South, was one of several bill supporters during this year’s session who said that increasing costs were driving the surcharge.

“The largest expense is payroll, and second largest is fuel, which has more than doubled in the last three years,” Croker pointed out at the Feb. 2 House Transportation Committee meeting.

The bill passed the House with a 5045 vote, with a 21-19 vote in the Senate, and requires Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signature, in order to be in effect through July 1, 2024.

Sources: wtop.com virginiamercury.com

Houston Towers Aid Domestic Violence Program

Wrecker companies in the Houston area have joined forces with several entities to help victims of domestic violence by providing bags filled with necessities. On-Site Towing President Mark Denson said that his crews see it all: abusers dismantling cars, slashing tires, or simply stealing keys.

“A lot of times, they’re getting out because they’re in immediate danger,” he pointed out. “They don’t have time to grab hairspray, toothpaste, or deodorant. We’re providing that right there.”

Harris County precinct constable said that these wrecker companies are a godsend. His office teamed up with the wrecker community and Aids to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) to create bags filled with useful items like food and hotel vouchers.

“Having wrecker drivers that are out there interacting with the public all the time, and often in some very precarious situations where you have domestic violence victims in car accidents or out at a scene where law enforcement is already there, to be able to give them a bag with resources in it that can help them change their lives to get out of domestic violence is what this is all about,” says Constable Rosen.

Drivers who are part of the Tow-AWay domestic violence program each have a purple ribbon with a tow truck and Constable PCT 1 logo on their trucks.

Source: click2houston.com