SALEM — A bill that gives Oregon motorists more protection against predatory tow truck drivers is one step closer to law.

House Bill 2578 doesn’t stop tow companies from monitoring private lots for errant parkers, but it does require them to photograph a vehicle before taking it away. And if the motorist returns to the car before the tow truck finishes hooking it up, there is no fee to get the vehicle back.

The legislation also requires motorists to be given clear signs that a lot is being patrolled.

“It is a compromise bill on this very controversial issue of predatory towing,” said Sen. Larry George, R-Sherwood.

The issue of predatory towing gained statewide attention in December, when a tow driver tried to haul the vehicle of a Wilsonville assault victim who double-parked after fleeing from her boyfriend. The sheriff’s deputy who arrested the boyfriend tried to explain the situation to the tow driver, but the man declined to unhook the car unless the woman, who had blood on her face, paid a $165 fee.

The incident generated so many complaints that the tow company refunded the fee and pledged to donate $500 to a shelter for battered women.

The bill unanimously cleared the Senate without debate Wednesday. It now returns to the House, where it started, for agreement on small changes made in the Senate.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski is expected to sign it into law.

The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Reps. Chuck Riley of Hillsboro and Michael Dembrow of Portland, would take effect Jan. 1. It would not affect the ability of cities to set stricter towing regulations.

In Oregon, towing companies can sign contracts with property owners for the exclusive right to patrol private lots and haul off improperly parked vehicles. Most drivers are paid on commission.

In Portland alone, tow-truck drivers seized 12,000 vehicles from private property last year.