SB72 Summary

• Applies only to Class 8 municipalities and establishes procedures for abating grass or weeds that exceed 12 inches in height or pose public health, safety, fire, or aesthetic hazards.

• Requires enforcing officials to provide written notice to property owners ordering abatement, with owners having the right to request a hearing before an administrative official within 5 days.

• If owners fail to abate the nuisance within 10 days of notice (or administrative decision), the municipality may perform abatement work and assess all costs including labor, equipment, advertising, and legal expenses.

• Assessed abatement costs are referred to as "weed liens," added to property tax bills, and collected through county tax officials with the same penalties and foreclosure procedures as ordinary ad valorem taxes; liens are subordinate to prior mortgages.

• Upon payment of the weed lien, the city clerk notifies the tax collector and may file a satisfaction notice in probate court records; the act becomes effective immediately upon Governor approval.