Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB629

Introduced
4/4/25  
Refer
4/7/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  
Refer
4/9/25  

Caption

To Allow An Officer Of A Closely Held Corporation To Represent The Corporation In Court For The Purpose Of Eviction Proceedings And Unlawful Detainer Proceedings.

Impact

Should SB629 pass, it would introduce significant changes to the practice of law within the state, particularly in the context of corporate governance and eviction law. The proposed law would permit certain corporate officers to represent their entities without needing lawyer representation, thus potentially reducing legal costs associated with eviction processes for corporations. This is particularly relevant for smaller corporations that may face challenges in affording legal fees, allowing them to act more autonomously in legal proceedings related to their properties.

Summary

Senate Bill 629 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Arkansas law to allow officers of closely held corporations to represent their corporations in court specifically for eviction proceedings and unlawful detainer proceedings. The bill seeks to address the legal limitations that currently prevent such corporate officers from appearing in court on behalf of their company without an attorney. By enabling these officers to act for the corporation in certain legal contexts, the bill may streamline the eviction process for properties owned or managed by closely held corporations.

Contention

While the impact of the bill appears beneficial for closely held corporations, it raises questions about ensuring sufficient legal protections for tenants. Critics may argue that this change could lead to unfair advantages in eviction proceedings, as corporate officers without formal legal training may lack the necessary knowledge to navigate complex legal issues effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns about the potential for misuse of this provision, where corporate officers could improperly evict tenants without the oversight that licensed attorneys typically provide.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1424

To Amend The Law Concerning Court Proceedings For Unlawful Detainer.

AR HB1752

To Amend The Law Concerning The Proceedings Against A Railroad Company For The Unlawful Delay Of A Train.

AR SB549

To Reduce The Income Tax Rates Applicable To Individuals, Trusts, Estates, And Corporations.

AR HB1209

Concerning The Use Of A Registered Name Of Certain Corporations And Limited Liability Companies That Have Been Dissolved.

AR SB205

To Assist Small Business Owners To Form A Legal Entity In This State; And To Clarify The Procedures And Standards Used For Name Availability For Certain Corporations And Limited Liability Companies.

AR HR1001

To Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-fourth General Assembly.

AR HB1023

An Act To Make An Appropriation For State Turnback For Counties And Municipalities By The Office Of The Treasurer Of State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025; And For Other Purposes.

AR HB1648

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Runoff Elections And To Provide For A Runoff Election For Candidates For The Senate And The House Of Representatives.

AR SB8

To Reduce The Income Tax Rates Applicable To Individuals, Trusts, Estates, And Corporations; To Create An Inflationary Relief Income Tax Credit For Certain Taxpayers; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB365

To Create The Arkansas Student Due Process And Protection Act; And To Establish Procedural Protections For Student Conduct Disciplinary Proceedings At Public Two-year And Four-year Institutions Of Higher Education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.