Bill > HB1695

This bill clarifies and modifies several aspects of municipal liens and property foreclosure processes in Arkansas. The legislation expands municipalities' abilities to address neglected properties by extending timelines for filing liens (increasing from 60 to 180 days in some cases), increasing the priority lien amounts for various cleanup activities like grass cutting, boarding up properties, demolition, and environmental remediation. The bill allows cities and towns to file foreclosure actions in circuit court, potentially leading to public sales of properties, with a detailed procedure for how such sales should be conducted, including notification requirements and proceeds distribution. Additionally, the bill enables municipalities to enjoin (block) the sale of tax-delinquent property to persons who already own other tax-delinquent or liens-encumbered properties, and provides a mechanism for municipalities with unrecorded cleanup liens to claim priority status and receive funds from property sales. The changes aim to give local governments more tools to address property neglect, manage tax-delinquent properties, and recover costs associated with property maintenance and cleanup.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1695&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R