HB485 Summary

• Authorizes municipalities to file an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action in circuit court to establish clear title to abandoned tax sale properties acquired from the Alabama Land Bank Authority or State Land Commissioner.

• Requires municipalities to record a notice of intent in probate court and make good faith efforts to identify interested parties through deed records, tax assessor records, voter registration lists, and Secretary of State records.

• Mandates municipalities post a 4-by-6-foot sign on the property for 30 days and provide notice to interested parties by certified and regular mail at least 30 days before the hearing, with alternative notice by publication if parties cannot be identified.

• Establishes a circuit court hearing within 90 days where interested parties may appear and redeem the property under Chapter 10 of Title 40, or the court shall enter judgment vesting fee simple title in the municipality within 10 days of hearing.

• Provides that judgments extinguish all liens and ownership interests except easements, deed restrictions, and environmental restrictions; allows appeals within 42 days if appellant posts a redemption bond.