West Hamilton News

The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 132, a bill sponsored by State Representatives Brett Hillyer and Don Jones, which focuses on revising Ohio's laws concerning self-storage units and abandoned vehicles. The bill introduces various changes, including defining "owner" to include "owner/agent," allowing the use of e-mail for notices, permitting online auctions for property sales, and giving the owner/operator discretion to halt lien enforcement. It also addresses the treatment of trailers as vehicles, adding provisions for towing.

According to Hillyer, the bill aims to address a recognized problem with the support of all interested parties. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the legislation does not interfere with the obligations of Ohio law enforcement while providing a satisfactory solution for all stakeholders.

Regarding abandoned vehicles, House Bill 132 establishes a sixty-day period after notification by law enforcement for a vehicle to be deemed abandoned. This timeframe allows law enforcement to secure the title for disposal or other necessary purposes without altering their existing processes for title acquisition.

Jones emphasized the essential role of towing and recovery companies in public safety services, underscoring the streamlined process proposed by House Bill 132 to facilitate title acquisition for abandoned vehicles when law enforcement opts not to handle the vehicle's processing.

The bill passed the Ohio House by a vote of 71-23 and advances to the Senate for further review.