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SB 2360

Motor Vehicles - As enacted, authorizes enforcement of a garagekeeper's lien on a motor vehicle that was stored for the purpose of repairs without express written authorization from the owner for such storage if the garagekeeper makes a good faith attempt to acquire consent prior to repairs and provides notice to the owner by certified mail. - Amends TCA Title 47; Title 55, Chapter 31 and Title 66, Chapter 19.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

Tennessee bill allows repair shops to enforce vehicle liens without prior owner authorization if they attempt good faith contact and provide certified notice.

Pub. Ch. 661
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Bill Summary · SB 2360

Legislative bill overview

SB 2360 allows repair shops (garagekeepers) to enforce liens on vehicles stored for repairs without the owner's prior written authorization, provided the shop makes a good faith attempt to contact the owner and sends certified notice. The bill modifies Tennessee's lien laws across three statutory titles to establish clearer procedures for this scenario.

Why is this important

This affects vehicle owners who may have cars stored at repair facilities and repair businesses seeking payment recovery. It clarifies when shops can legally hold vehicles as collateral for unpaid repair costs, which impacts consumer rights, small business operations, and dispute resolution in the automotive repair industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection vs. business interests: Owners may dispute whether "good faith attempts" provide adequate protection, or whether certified mail notice is sufficiently timely before a lien is enforced
  • Definition ambiguity: "Good faith attempt" and "express written authorization" may be interpreted differently, potentially creating disputes about what constitutes adequate owner contact
  • Lien enforcement procedures: The bill may lack clarity on timelines between notice and lien enforcement, or procedures if owners claim they never received certified mail notification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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