RALEIGH, N.C. — Towing companies would face stricter regulations, including over how much they can charge, under a bipartisan bill that won approval in a state legislative committee Tuesday.

Towing companies across the state have long faced complaints and allegations, including for charging people additional fees if they don’t pay in cash, or for charging daily “storage” fees even on days when the tow lot isn’t open for people to come pick up their vehicles.

Now some lawmakers want the state to step in and more closely regulate the industry.

"I'm not big on increasing the size of government ... but this is a mess," said. Rep. Carson Smith, R-Pender, the bill's lead sponsor, during Tuesday's debate.

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