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JACKSON, Miss. — A bill in the Mississippi Senate would allow tow truck owners to sell personal property left inside of towed cars to cover unpaid towing bills.

The Clarion Ledger reported Friday that tow truck owners are allowed to auction off towed vehicles after a waiting period and proper advertising and notification. But they aren’t currently allowed to hold or sell personal property left inside of towed vehicles. The bill also would remove the five-day waiting period for property owners to have vehicles towed.

Senate Finance Chairman Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, created the bill and says tow truck owners routinely aren’t paid for their work. Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, successfully offered an amendment that says tow truck owners would only keep property sale profits equal to towing costs.