In a move to curb the rise of predatory vehicle booting and bolster consumer protection, Governor Jared Polis signed HB25-1117 into law yesterday, as reported by Colorado Senate Democrats. Sponsored by Colorado Democrats, including Representatives Junie Joseph and Andy Boesenecker, along with Senators Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman, the bill aims to bring fairness and oversight to the vehicle immobilization industry, a sector that has gone relatively unchecked until now.
Under the new legislation, vehicle booting companies will be subjected to stringent regulations, such as documenting the condition of a vehicle and the reason for its immobilization before taking action, and they're also required to display their company details on all immobilization devices and vehicles used, Joseph stated that "Booting can be a useful tool for property owners, but it must be done fairly, with clear rules and oversight," as per Colorado Senate Democrats. The law, which prohibits indiscriminate lot patrolling and calls for at least a 24-hour notice before a vehicle is immobilized, has taken significant steps to align the booting industry with the transparency and consumer rights expectations that have been addressed in other domains, Gonzales added, “Lack of oversight has enabled predatory and abusive practices in the vehicle booting industry, and it’s time for Colorado law to catch up,” as obtained by Colorado Senate Democrats.
Describing the impactful nature of the law, Weissman told Colorado Senate Democrats, “For most Coloradans, a car is not a convenience – it is a livelihood,” outlining the necessity of preventing unwarranted vehicle immobilization that can ripple adversely through individuals' daily routines. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is now empowered to deny or revoke booting permits to companies found to be violating the newly established guidelines, ensuring that actions by vehicle booting firms are conducted within the bounds of the law.
