This bill amends the law regarding the towing and storage of vehicles, implements, or pieces of machinery in Arkansas, specifically addressing the release of nonconsensually towed items. It introduces a new provision that mandates towing and storage companies to release a vehicle, implement, or piece of machinery to the owner or their representative, even if the owner has not satisfied the possessory lien held by the towing company or local government entities. This change aims to protect vehicle owners from being unduly penalized for unpaid liens when their property has been towed without consent.

Additionally, the bill establishes that owners of released vehicles cannot sell them without first satisfying the former possessory lien. Violating this provision is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction, the court may order the violator to pay twice the amount of the lien to the lien holder. These amendments are designed to enhance the rights of vehicle owners while ensuring that lien holders are compensated appropriately.

Statutes affected:
SB 541: 27-50-1101(a)