HB 1134: Property; repossessors of motor vehicles; revise notice requirements

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Discussed in meetings (15)

The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.

1. House Regulated Industries Committee, February 17, 2026

   From 0:22:47 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said HB 1134 would reduce storage of personal belongings left in repossessed vehicles from 70 days to 30 days and eliminate a second notice. The sponsor said neighboring states generally require shorter storage and that Georgia's requirements create storage and liability problems. The sponsor also said repossession would be complete when an agent attaches the vehicle to a tow truck, enters it or moves it from its original location. A witness for the Georgia Association of Licensed Repossessors said a clear completion point would help resolve interference and safety disputes without changing the redemption process. One committee member questioned the practical effect and whether mailed notices reach people who have moved. The witness said notices go by certified mail to the last known address, many are returned, and fewer than 30% of people reclaim their belongings. Another member asked when the 30-day period starts. The witness said it starts when the letter is sent, not received, and notice must go out within 10 days. A member suggested shorter storage could lower lending costs, and the witness agreed. The committee approved the bill by voice vote, and the chair said it would go to Rules.

2. House floor session, March 4, 2026 (legislative day 27, PM, part 2)

   From 0:23:06 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the 2026 House Journal, p. 1923

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said HB 1134 would shorten the storage period for personal belongings left in repossessed vehicles from 70 days to 30 days and eliminate a second notice. The sponsor described those changes as consistent with neighboring states and industry practices. The sponsor also said the bill would define when repossession is complete: when the vehicle is attached to a tow truck, an agent enters it or it is moved from its original location. There were no questions. The House passed the bill 139–16.

3. House Rules Committee, March 4, 2026

   From 0:34:59 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the 2026 House Journal, p. 1881

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee added HB 1134 to the day's supplemental calendar under modified structured rules without stated opposition. No provisions were discussed.

4. Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, March 17, 2026

   From 0:41:55 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said HB 1134 would shorten storage of belongings left in repossessed vehicles from 70 days to 30 days, eliminate a second notice and define when repossession is complete. The sponsor said these changes would align Georgia with neighboring states and industry practices. A Georgia Association of Licensed Repossessors witness said belongings are inventoried and photographed, with certified notice sent within 10 days. Asked about repossession trends, the witness said repossessions were increasing and lenders generally waited at least 120 days of delinquency, compared with 90 days previously. Asked about remote vehicle disabling, the sponsor, a used-car dealer, said the technology exists but was not a tool the sponsor used or recommended. One member repeatedly questioned whether defining completion by attachment to a tow truck could protect wrongful repossessions. The sponsor and witness said unlawful conduct would remain a law-enforcement matter. Members discussed requiring vehicle identification number verification, but that language was not the amendment ultimately voted on. Legal counsel said the provision assumes an otherwise lawful repossession. Another member offered an amendment making completion a presumption that could be challenged, with a matching title change. Members approved the bill as amended, with no opposition recorded.

5. Senate Rules Committee, March 19, 2026

   From 0:26:01 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said the bill would update vehicle repossession rules to reflect industry practices. The sponsor described changes to notices for reclaiming personal property, rules determining when repossession is complete, and a legal presumption that could be challenged. No substantive questions or scheduling decision followed.

6. Senate Rules Committee, March 20, 2026

   From 0:23:59 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said the bill would update motor vehicle repossession law to match industry standards. The sponsor described changes to notices for reclaiming personal property, guidelines for determining when a repossession is complete, and a rebuttable presumption, without explaining that presumption further. No substantive questions or calendar decision followed.

7. Senate Rules Committee, March 23, 2026

   From 0:11:44 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said HB 1134 would update notices concerning personal property in vehicle repossessions and provide guidelines and a rebuttable presumption. No substantive questions or vote followed.

8. Senate Rules Committee, March 25, 2026

   From 0:34:53 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The presenter said HB 1134 would update Georgia law to industry standards for motor vehicle repossessors. No further explanation or questions followed. The bill was later included in the calendar package approved unanimously.

9. Senate floor session, March 31, 2026 (legislative day 39, part 2)

   From 5:25:56 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the bill's status history (Senate Taken from Table)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The majority leader requested that the bill be removed from the table. The clerk read its title as revising notice requirements for motor-vehicle repossessors. The chair explained that removing and retabling the bills would preserve their availability for Thursday. The Senate removed this bill from the table without objection, then tabled it again without substantive debate.

• Read aloud: House floor session, February 3, 2026 (legislative day 11), 0:24:47
• Read aloud: House floor session, February 4, 2026 (legislative day 12), 0:28:27
• Read aloud: House floor session, February 18, 2026 (legislative day 20), 0:40:32
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 6, 2026 (legislative day 28, part 1), 0:39:24
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 18, 2026 (legislative day 33), 0:29:23
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 19, 2026 (legislative day 34), 0:46:49

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