The Arkansas Towing and Recovery Reform and Efficiency Act of 2025 aims to improve the regulation of the towing industry in Arkansas by introducing new provisions to prevent predatory towing and excessive pricing. Key amendments include a revised definition of "abandoned vehicle," which now includes specific criteria for identification, and a requirement for towing firms to obtain written authorization from property owners prior to towing. The bill also establishes stricter penalties for violations, such as license suspensions and probation for misconduct, while enhancing the complaint process to protect consumers and businesses. Additionally, it declares an emergency, highlighting the urgency of these reforms.

The legislation establishes the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board, consisting of nine members appointed by the Governor, with specific qualifications for board members, including representation from the towing industry, commercial trucking insurance, and consumers. The board is granted authority to create rules for regulating the industry, including licensing and safety requirements, and it modifies lien attachment processes to protect personal items. The bill also sets maximum administrative fees, updates notice requirements for abandoned vehicle sales, and mandates that towing companies accept multiple payment forms while displaying consumer complaint information. Transition provisions ensure a smooth appointment of new board members, and the act includes a towing rate schedule effective July 1, 2026, emphasizing the immediate need for these reforms.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1897 V2 - 4-7-2025 10:10 AM: 27-50-1101(a), 27-50-1101(c), 27-50-1202(11), 27-50-1202(15), 27-50-1202, 27-50-1203(a), 27-50-1203(e), 27-50-1203(f), 27-50-1203(g), 27-50-1203, 27-50-1208(a), 27-50-1208(b), 27-50-1208(d), 27-50-1209(e), 27-50-1209(f), 27-50-1212(a), 27-50-1212(c), 27-50-1215(a), 27-50-1217, 04-07-2025, 27-50-1218(c), 27-50-1218
Old version HB1897 Original - 3-31-2025 09:53 AM: 27-50-1101(a), 27-50-1101(c), 27-50-1202(11), 27-50-1202(15), 27-50-1202, 27-50-1203(a), 27-50-1203(e), 27-50-1203(f), 27-50-1203(g), 27-50-1203, 27-50-1208(a), 27-50-1208(b), 27-50-1208(d), 27-50-1209(e), 27-50-1209(f), 27-50-1212(a), 27-50-1212(c), 27-50-1215(a), 27-50-1217, 27-50-1218(c), 27-50-1218
HB 1897: 27-50-1101(a), 27-50-1101(c), 27-50-1202(11), 27-50-1202(15), 27-50-1202, 27-50-1203(a), 27-50-1203(e), 27-50-1203(f), 27-50-1203(g), 27-50-1203, 27-50-1208(a), 27-50-1208(b), 27-50-1208(d), 27-50-1209(e), 27-50-1209(f), 27-50-1212(a), 27-50-1212(c), 27-50-1215(a), 27-50-1217, 27-50-1218(c), 27-50-1218