S7717

The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing statewide caps on towing and vehicle storage fees outside New York City, with a 48-14 vote on Calendar 1708, Senate Print 7717. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Cooney, was prompted by constituent complaints about excessive towing charges and creates a uniform consumer protection standard modeled after 2019 New York City Council legislation. The measure sets fee caps based on vehicle weight and road type but does not account for regional cost variations, drawing criticism from opponents who argued it improperly preempts local municipal authority. Sen. Rhoads and Sen. Martins led opposition, contending that local communities are better positioned to license tow operators, enforce safety standards, and set rates reflecting regional economic conditions. Sen. Martins warned the bill removes an effective local regulatory system and shifts enforcement to the state Attorney General, which he argued would be slower and less effective. Sen. Cooney countered that the bill sets a minimum consumer protection standard while still allowing municipalities to establish safety standards, and noted that similar towing caps have been enacted in Colorado, Connecticut, and Georgia. The bill exempts New York City, which maintains its own separate towing cap standard. Fourteen senators voted against the measure, primarily citing concerns about local control and preemption.