Motor vehicles; conditions, procedures, and limitations for issuance of temporary operating permits; provide
HB 551 regulates the use of immobilization devices (like wheel clamps) on trespassing vehicles parked on private property in Georgia. It requires property owners to post clear notices detailing immobilization rules, fees, and recovery options before using such devices, except for residential properties with four or fewer units. The bill limits immobilization to licensed operators in jurisdictions that authorized the practice, sets maximum fees (no storage fees for the first 24 hours), and prohibits automatic surveillance or payments to property owners for immobilization services. It directly affects property owners, towing/storage companies, and vehicle owners whose vehicles are immobilized. The law also removes previous civil penalty authority but authorizes up to $2,500 penalties for violations.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Feb 20, 2025
Signed May 14, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
LC 39 4675S/hcs
→
HB 551/AP*
·
5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated from a committee substitute version to its final passed version, incorporating additional provisions related to dealer master plates, motor vehicle immobilization operators, trespassing vehicle jurisdiction limits, and fee structures. These changes expand the regulatory framework for vehicle dealers and law enforcement while clarifying enforcement procedures.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include regulation of motor vehicle immobilization operators and restrictions on immobilizing trespassing vehicles to only jurisdictions that have authorized such activity.
REQUIREMENT
Added standards for the issuance of dealer master plates to ensure consistency and compliance across dealerships.
Added provisions for fees and notice requirements related to vehicle immobilization and dealer licensing.
ENFORCEMENT
Added provisions to limit immobilization of trespassing vehicles to jurisdictions that have explicitly authorized such enforcement actions.
Removed authority to impose civil penalties, shifting enforcement mechanisms to other provisions.
SCOPE
Added authorization for the Department of Public Safety to regulate motor vehicle immobilization operators.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 27, 2025 · House Mar 4, 2025
How they voted
46–4
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 55
Mar 27, 2025
D
Democratic22
72% Yea
R
Republican33
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
17
Key actions
6
Committee
3
Amendments
2
May 14, 2025
Signed into law
Act 272
upper
May 14, 2025
Signed into law
House Date Signed by Governor
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Introduced
Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Introduced
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
upper
Mar 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
Senate Read and Referred
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
lower
Feb 20, 2025
Introduced
House Hopper
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Danny Mathis
RRepublican
P
Jason Ridley
RRepublican
P
John Corbett
RRepublican
P
Rick Jasperse
RRepublican
P
Todd Jones
RRepublican
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