HB 931

Enacts GS 20-219.25 requiring fees charged by a towing company to be reasonable, not excessive, and clearly disclosed (before towing if possible). Prohibits towing a car to a location that does not offer recovery of the vehicle within 24 hours of towing. Prohibits charging storage fees for days when the company is not open from at least 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Requires the company to wait one business day since the towed vehicle could first be recovered before charging a storage fee, unless it is open 24 hours per day. Requires a towing company to accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Provides for a limit on payment processing fees. Allows the Utilities Commission (UC) to adopt rules to implement this statute. Allows the UC Public Staff to investigate a towing company to determine whether it has complied with the statute and rules. Allows accessing penalties of up to $5,000 per violation of the statute or rules adopted under it, with proceeds of the penalties remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Also allows the UC to take other appropriate enforcement action. Sets out factors for the UC to consider when deciding if a fee is reasonable and not excessive. Violations of the statute are considered an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Effective October 1, 2025.