Bill aims to outlaw predatory towing
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A bill in the state Legislature could help put an end to predatory towing.
In November, KOMO News exposed Shannon Towing of Lynnwood, which was giving gift cards in exchange for tips on cars to tow.
In tough economic times, some apartment managers have found the reward of tow company gift cards - some as much as $250 each - irresistible.
"That makes people want to tow more cars so they can get more of a kickback," said Jennifer Barton, manager of Greenview Apartments.
But not Barton. She told Shannon Towing to hit the road.
"It's unethical. It's wrong. It's not how I was raised," she said.
KOMO's investigation got the attention of lawmaker Sam Hunt, D-Olympia.
"I think this sets up a real predatory system of towing and hunting, basically," he said.
Hunt has introduced HB2592, which says no registered tow truck driver may accept any compensation, gratuity or reward for authorizing impounds.
The bill will affect Shannon Towing. When we investigated, we found their flyers advertising the incentives to apartment managers.
According to the flyers, three tows earns a tipster $50 in gift cards. Five impounds is worth $100, and Shannon will pay out $250 in gift cards for nine tows.
At first the company denied having anything to do with the offer.
"I've never seen one of these," said Shannon Towing manager Brandt Phelps.
But a few weeks later, Shannon admitted it does offer gift cards to apartment managers as an incentive for tows called in.
Shannon won't be able to do so for long if Hunt's bill becomes law.
The bill's first hearing is already set for a hearing on Monday.
In November, KOMO News exposed Shannon Towing of Lynnwood, which was giving gift cards in exchange for tips on cars to tow.
In tough economic times, some apartment managers have found the reward of tow company gift cards - some as much as $250 each - irresistible.
"That makes people want to tow more cars so they can get more of a kickback," said Jennifer Barton, manager of Greenview Apartments.
But not Barton. She told Shannon Towing to hit the road.
"It's unethical. It's wrong. It's not how I was raised," she said.
KOMO's investigation got the attention of lawmaker Sam Hunt, D-Olympia.
"I think this sets up a real predatory system of towing and hunting, basically," he said.
Hunt has introduced HB2592, which says no registered tow truck driver may accept any compensation, gratuity or reward for authorizing impounds.
The bill will affect Shannon Towing. When we investigated, we found their flyers advertising the incentives to apartment managers.
According to the flyers, three tows earns a tipster $50 in gift cards. Five impounds is worth $100, and Shannon will pay out $250 in gift cards for nine tows.
At first the company denied having anything to do with the offer.
"I've never seen one of these," said Shannon Towing manager Brandt Phelps.
But a few weeks later, Shannon admitted it does offer gift cards to apartment managers as an incentive for tows called in.
Shannon won't be able to do so for long if Hunt's bill becomes law.
The bill's first hearing is already set for a hearing on Monday.