Senate Bill 1028, which directs the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to convene a work group and study options for a distinct "for-hire" tow-truck license plate, was reported by the Senate Rules Committee and will proceed for further consideration.

The sponsor explained the study grew from industry requests and aims to help law enforcement and consumers distinguish tow trucks that are licensed "for hire" from those that are not. "For hire is 750,000" in liability insurance while "not for hire is a minimal of liability insurance," the sponsor said, summarizing industry concerns about public safety and insurance coverage.

Questions from committee members focused on whether similar systems exist in other states, the extent of the problem—including unlicensed operators responding to calls or trespass towing—and DMV capacity. The sponsor told the committee a DMV representative had said the department could absorb the work within its operating budget and that the work group would address mainly technical issues.

An industry witness described enforcement challenges: tow trucks with standard truck license plates are sometimes operating as for-hire towers without required driver authorization documents and background checks; a distinct plate would allow law enforcement to identify licensed for-hire operators by color and lettering.

A motion to report the bill was moved and seconded on the floor of the committee; the committee approved the motion electronically with Ayes 15, No 0. The recorded motion was "that Senate Bill 1028 be reported." The mover on the record in committee was Senator Jennifer Buysco and the second was Senator Ryan McDougall.

Votes at the committee: Moved and seconded that Senate Bill 1028 be reported. Vote: Ayes 15, No 0.