The Arkansas Towing and Recovery Reform and Efficiency Act of 2025 aims to improve the regulation and enforcement of the towing industry in Arkansas by amending existing laws related to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Key changes include reducing the board's membership from five to three members actively engaged in the towing industry, introducing new qualifications for board members, and enhancing the board's authority to oversee towing practices. The bill emphasizes consumer protection by requiring towing firms to obtain written authorization from property owners before towing and establishing penalties for violations. It also introduces specific limits on administrative, clerical, and storage fees, ensuring that these do not exceed $75, $25, and are contingent upon proper notification.

Additionally, the bill outlines a clear consumer complaint process and mandates the posting of maximum rate schedules for towing services on the board's website. It specifies that towing companies must accept multiple payment methods and enhances the notification process for vehicle owners and lienholders regarding abandoned vehicles. The act includes provisions for the terms of board members, with specific expiration dates for various representatives, and establishes a temporary provision for the towing rate schedule to take effect on July 1, 2026. An emergency clause is included to expedite the implementation of these reforms, which will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under certain conditions if not vetoed.

Statutes affected:
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