A new bill filed by State Rep. Jeffers in the North Carolina House seeks to establish a commission to regulate towing services and protect commercial vehicle operators, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 577 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Protect Towers and Truckers Act.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill, titled the Protect Our North Carolina Towers and Truckers Act, establishes a Towing and Recovery Commission within the State Highway Patrol to resolve disputes over fees charged by towing services responding to law enforcement requests. It specifies the commission’s structure, powers, and reporting requirements. The bill mandates a towing permit acquired from the Division of Motor Vehicles, which has eligibility criteria, fees, and non-transferability clauses. It also prohibits the immobilization of commercial vehicles using boots, making it a misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill expands lien rights to towing businesses on vehicles, trailers, and contents, excluding personal items like wallets and keys. The act becomes effective upon becoming law, with some provisions applying six months later.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Jeffrey C. McNeely proposed the most bills (17) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Jeffers, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 2nd House district, replacing previous state representative Larry Yarborough.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| B. Ray Jeffers, Jeffrey C. McNeely, and Jerry “Alan” Branson | HB 577 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Towers and Truckers Act. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, James Roberson, Renée A. Price, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 601 | 03/31/2025 | Funds for Facilities of DAV Organizations. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Dante Pittman, Eric Ager, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 617 | 03/31/2025 | Supporting Small Farmers for NC’s Future Act. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Bryan Cohn, Dante Pittman, and Sarah Crawford | HB 619 | 03/31/2025 | Health Care Security Act. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Howard Penny, Jr., Jimmy Dixon, and Robert T. Reives, II | HB 552 | 03/27/2025 | Ag Manufacturing Economic Development. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Allen Buansi, Renée A. Price, and Zack Hawkins | HB 416 | 03/17/2025 | Funds for Boys & Girls Clubs. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Cody Huneycutt, and Jeffrey C. McNeely | HB 348 | 03/10/2025 | Annexation of PUV Land/School Capacity. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Charles W. Miller, Kyle Hall, and Sarah Crawford | HB 258 | 03/03/2025 | Utility Worker Protection Act. |
| B. Ray Jeffers | HB 263 | 03/03/2025 | Down-Zoning/Person & Durham Cos. |
| B. Ray Jeffers | HB 241 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for Person County Projects. |
| B. Ray Jeffers | HB 243 | 02/26/2025 | Durham/Electronic Notices for Public Hearings. |
| B. Ray Jeffers | HB 191 | 02/25/2025 | SchCalFlex/Durham,Person/Aug 10 & Assmnts. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Marcia Morey, Vernetta Alston, and Zack Hawkins | HB 208 | 02/25/2025 | Partnership for Children Information Access. |
| B. Ray Jeffers, Marcia Morey, Vernetta Alston, and Zack Hawkins | HB 209 | 02/25/2025 | Employee Housing/Durham County. |
