Mississippi House Bill HB514

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Motor vehicle lien; authorize mechanic to seek title from title loan company after nonpayment of services.

Impact

The implications of HB 514 could significantly impact both mechanics and vehicle owners, particularly in cases where individuals take out title loans on vehicles they have repaired. Mechanics would gain a form of leverage when clients default on payments, allowing them to seek title claims against title loan companies. This could potentially expedite the recovery process for unpaid services. However, it may also create tension between mechanics and vehicle owners who find themselves in a difficult financial situation.

Summary

House Bill 514 looks to amend Section 85-7-107 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by granting mechanics the right to pursue the title of a vehicle from a title loan company if the individual whose vehicle was serviced secures a title loan after the repairs have begun, and subsequently fails to pay for those repairs. This change aims to provide mechanics with a clearer recourse for recovering costs when services are rendered but unpaid, thus enhancing their financial protections under state law.

Contention

While the bill adds protections for mechanics, it may raise concerns among vehicle owners. The provision allowing mechanics to acquire a vehicle title after nonpayment could be viewed as an overreach, especially if it leads to unintended consequences for consumers who may be struggling financially. There could be apprehensions regarding the balance of power in these transactions, as it shifts some degree of authority to mechanics over the ownership of vehicles. Stakeholders in the automotive repair industry may support the bill, but consumer advocacy groups could oppose it due to potential risks for vulnerable clients.