Missouri is strengthening truck driver protections against predatory towing with bills like HB 745 and SB 516, aiming to create a state review board, dispute process, and clearer regulations for nonconsensual tows, giving truckers recourse against excessive fees and unfair practices, a move supported by industry groups like OOIDA and ATA. 

Jefferson City Rep. Dave Griffith, R-MO, introduced HB 745/SB 516, a bill aimed at combating predatory unapproved towing. 

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is actively supporting these efforts to protect truck drivers, saying that exorbitant fees can be disastrous for small businesses.

The bill would give the Missouri Department of Transportation the responsibility of overseeing the unapproved towing and cleaning of commercial vehicles on state roads. It would also create a process for receiving and investigating complaints, and companies that violate the rules could be temporarily or permanently banned from performing such towing.

Any company that ignores the ban would be fined $25,000 for each violation. Additionally, the bill would require police to comply with drivers' and truck owners' requests to contact a specific towing company, except in certain circumstances.

The bill also provides for the creation of a "Towing and Recovery Council" under the Missouri Department of Transportation, which will include one representative from independent truck operators.