The bill amends existing laws regarding municipal liens related to neglected and tax-delinquent properties in Arkansas. Key changes include allowing municipalities to enjoin the sale of properties owned by individuals with tax-delinquent properties, clarifying the foreclosure process for properties subject to municipal liens, and establishing the priority of unrecorded municipal liens over other unrecorded liens. The bill also modifies the timeline for filing liens, extending it from 120 days to 365 days after cleanup work is completed, and from 60 days to 180 days after a lien amount is confirmed or appealed. Additionally, it increases the maximum amounts for various cleanup costs that can be prioritized in lien claims.

Further provisions include the requirement for cities or towns to enter satisfaction of a lien within ten days of payment, and the ability for municipalities to collect costs incurred for property maintenance in a manner similar to civil judgments. The bill also introduces a new section allowing cities or towns to file claims for unrecorded liens in circuit court, which will have priority over other unrecorded liens. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance municipal authority in managing neglected properties and streamline the processes associated with municipal liens and foreclosures.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1695 Original - 3-5-2025 03:46 PM: 14-54-902(b), 14-54-903(b), 14-54-903(c), 14-54-903(i), 14-54-903(j), 14-54-903, 14-54-904(a), 14-54-904(b), 26-37-203(b), 26-37-205(b)
Old version HB1695 V2 - 3-17-2025 12:00 PM: 14-54-901, 03-17-2025, 14-54-903(b), 14-54-903(c), 14-54-903(i), 14-54-903(j), 14-54-903, 14-54-904(a), 14-54-904(b), 14-56-203, 26-37-203(b), 26-37-205(b)
Old version HB1695 V3 - 4-8-2025 11:20 AM: 14-54-901, 04-08-2025, 14-54-903(b), 14-54-903(c), 14-54-903(i), 14-54-903(j), 14-54-903, 14-54-904(a), 14-54-904(b), 14-56-203, 26-37-205(b)
HB 1695: 14-54-902(b), 14-54-903(b), 14-54-903(c), 14-54-903(i), 14-54-903(j), 14-54-903, 14-54-904(a), 14-54-904(b), 26-37-203(b), 26-37-205(b)