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SB 501

Relating to: creating a veterinary loan repayment grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board and exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rachael Cabral-Guevara and 3 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 501 requires landlords to notify tenants 14 days before eviction, ensuring tenants can reclaim possessions within 10 days and enhancing their rights.

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Bill Summary · SB 501

Summary of Senate Bill 501: Tenant Possessions Recovery Act

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 501, titled the Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, aims to establish clear procedures for landlords regarding the notification of tenants when a court has issued a writ of possession. The bill seeks to protect tenants' rights by ensuring they are adequately informed about the repossession of their rental property and the status of their personal belongings.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing laws regarding tenant possessions:

  1. Notice Requirements:

    • Landlords must provide written notice to tenants at least 14 days before the scheduled repossession date.
    • The notice must be sent via first-class mail and posted on the front door of the leased premises, accompanied by a timestamped photograph.

  2. Contents of the Notice:

    • The notice must include:
      • Court case number
      • Tenant's name and address
      • Date of the writ of possession
      • Scheduled eviction date
      • Information on tenant rights, including the right to reclaim personal property and the consequences of eviction.

  3. Tenant's Right to Reclaim Property:

    • Tenants have 10 days following the execution of the writ of possession to reclaim their personal property.
    • Landlords are required to make the property available for reclamation during this period.

  4. Disposal of Abandoned Property:

    • If personal property is not reclaimed within the 10-day period, it is considered abandoned and may be disposed of by the landlord.
    • Landlords must not dispose of certain items, such as perishable food or hazardous materials, and must follow legal means for disposal.

  5. Liability and Damages:

    • If a court finds that a landlord violated the notice requirements, tenants may be entitled to actual damages, attorney's fees, and other remedies.

Affected Parties

  • Landlords: Required to follow new notification procedures and may incur costs for providing notices.
  • Tenants: Gain enhanced rights and protections regarding their possessions during the eviction process.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Status: Reported from the Health and Human Services/Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee with recommendations for passage. The bill has undergone amendments and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was read multiple times and underwent amendments before being reported correctly engrossed.
    • It faced procedural actions, including being withdrawn from committee and re-referred for further consideration.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 501 represents a significant step towards enhancing tenant protections in Arkansas by formalizing the process for notifying tenants of eviction and ensuring their rights regarding personal property are respected. The bill's provisions aim to create a more transparent and fair eviction process for both landlords and tenants.

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

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