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State Looks At County Towing Legislation

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI and CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cdolinski@tampatrib.com cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - The Hillsborough County legislative delegation will hear public testimony next month on a bill designed to crack down on predatory towing companies.

The proposal would give Hillsborough's Public Transportation Commission enforcement powers over towing companies that target cars on private business property without written permission from the owner.

Victor DiMaio, a lobbyist for the commission, said the panel has received numerous complaints about towing companies patrolling neighborhoods for cars parked outside restaurants and other businesses.

"We need teeth to go after bad guys that make good guys look bad," DiMaio said. "This bill, if approved, would allow us to go after these guys and take their license away."

Enforcement falls currently to the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, but DiMaio said those agencies are often too overwhelmed to deal with rogue towing companies.

"They don't have the time or resources to deal with it," he said. "We do."

The delegation is also proposing a bill to change Tampa's pension plan for general employees so that it complies with all federal regulations. Senate sponsor Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, said it also empowers the city council to alter the plan to conform with future federal law changes.

If the proposal does not pass, the city could face fines from federal regulators, said City Attorney Chip Fletcher. The bill, he said, will not alter benefits or contribution levels.

Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, is sponsoring both bills in the House. The county delegation will take public input at 9 a.m. Dec. 2. The meeting will be held at the John R. Trinkle Center on the Plant City campus of Hillsborough Community College.

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382. Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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