State Watch – October 2025
The majority of state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this year. A special thanks to those of you who followed what took place in your state and who tipped us off on legislation you cared about.
Here’s our early fall roundup of what governors signed into law in recent weeks and of other items still active.
Arizona
Arizona has enacted guardrails for third-party litigation funders.
The new law prohibits litigation financiers from paying or offering to pay a commission or referral fee to legal counsel, a law firm or a licensed health care provider for a referral.
Foreign-influenced funding directly or indirectly is also forbidden.
Colorado
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed legislation to prohibit the operation of autonomous trucks.
HB1122 would have made an exception to the rule when a CDL holder is in the vehicle, is monitoring the system’s driving and intervenes, if necessary, to “avoid illegal and/or unsafe driving.”
Hazmat loads were also addressed. Specifically, CDL holders present in automated vehicles hauling hazmat must be in the driver’s seat.
The governor said the rule “may undermine innovation of future technologies that could increase road safety.”
Delaware
A new Delaware law makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, offer to sell, purchase, possess, install, operate a vehicle with or otherwise distribute a number plate flipping device.
HB26 defines a license plate flipper as “a manual, electric or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle” to switch between license plates or to hide a license plate from view.
First-time offenders would face jail time and/or fines.
Illinois
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law legislation that targets towing operators that ignore penalties and continue operating under new business names.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the new law allows tow trucks with unpaid fines to be impounded. The state is also permitted to revoke license plates for tow trucks with unpaid fines.
Known violators will be prohibited from reregistering under a new business name.
In addition, fraudulent towers will be prohibited from obtaining new licenses for three years. Tow truck operators are also forbidden from placing liens against essentials left in a towed vehicle, such as identifying documents.
Another rule change limits tow locations to registered storage lots, licensed repair shops or the operator’s requested location.
Indiana
A new Indiana law now in effect also reforms towing practices.
HB1390 establishes rates a towing company may charge for emergency towing or private property towing. Itemized invoices are also mandated.
Law enforcement agencies are required to rotate towing service providers and perform a review of towers’ rates. Agencies are prohibited from using towing services that charge unreasonable fees.
Assessing a cost or charging a rate in excess of the applicable cost or charging rate displayed on a rate sheet would be classified as a “deceptive act.”
A towing company or storage facility is also required to release property if the consumer pays 75% of the towing invoice and obtains a bond for the remaining 25% of the invoice.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, a new law already in effect revises the state’s left lane rule.
State law has prohibited travel in the left lane when driving at least 10 mph below the posted speed.
The rule change removes the 10-mph parameter. Instead, simply traveling below the posted speed while in the left lane will be a violation.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill to reinstate the state’s cap on noneconomic damages and make an adjustment for inflation to $500,000. Exceptions apply for cases that include wrongful death.
Also included in the new law is a provision that allows for oversight from judges regarding who can and cannot provide expert testimony.
The provision is touted to ensure that expert testimony admitted in courts is based on “sound science and proven methodology.” LL
For a complete rundown of state legislation, visit LandLine.media.