This bill amends the law regarding the towing and storage of vehicles, implements, or pieces of machinery in Arkansas, specifically addressing the release of such items when they have been towed without the owner's consent. It introduces a new provision that mandates towing and storage companies to release the 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 non-consensual towing.

Additionally, the bill establishes that owners who receive their vehicles back under this provision cannot sell them without first satisfying the former possessory lien. Violating this requirement is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction, the offender must pay twice the amount of the possessory lien to the lien holder. These amendments are designed to enhance the rights of vehicle owners while ensuring that towing companies are compensated for their services.

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