Bill > HB1897

This bill creates the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Reform and Efficiency Act of 2025, which introduces comprehensive reforms to the state's towing industry regulation. The bill significantly restructures the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board by reducing the number of active towing industry members and adding representatives from law enforcement, trucking, insurance, emergency services, and consumer advocacy. It introduces stricter regulations to prevent predatory towing practices, including prohibiting excessive pricing, limiting storage fees, and requiring clear disclosure of complaint processes. The bill mandates that towing businesses accept multiple payment methods, post detailed rate schedules publicly, and provide specific documentation for vehicle removals. It establishes more severe penalties for violations, including potential misdemeanor and felony charges for egregious pricing practices, and allows for administrative sanctions like license suspensions and revocations. The legislation also enhances consumer protections by requiring businesses to clearly display complaint information, limiting the types of personal property that can be held under a towing lien, and establishing a more transparent process for vehicle recovery and sale. An emergency clause is included to emphasize the immediate need for these reforms to protect consumers and improve industry oversight.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1897&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R