Relating to towing fee studies and the amount of nonconsent towing fees in certain political subdivisions; authorizing an increase in existing fees; authorizing a fee.

HB 5499 requires cities and counties with populations over 1 million to conduct biennial studies on nonconsent towing fees (towing when car owners don’t agree). It mandates that local governments set these fees based on the fair value of towing services, using data from the studies. If they fail to set fees properly, the default rate becomes the state’s established fee. The bill directly affects towing companies (who charge these fees) and vehicle owners (who pay them) in large Texas jurisdictions, while ensuring fees align with actual service costs.