HB 1263 Summary

• Prohibits individuals or entities with a home of record outside the United States from purchasing tax-delinquent property, with automatic deed cancellation, forfeiture of all payments, and return to delinquent status upon discovery.

• Allows the Commissioner of State Lands to conduct unsold-property auctions and negotiated-price sales online, with negotiated sales available for parcels offered two or more years after the initial auction.

• Modifies notification requirements for tax-delinquent property sales: 30 days' notice by regular mail for in-person auctions and certified mail notification upon first bid for online auctions, with redemption deadline of 4:00 p.m. CST on the last business day before sale.

• Specifies acceptable payment methods for redemptions and purchases as certified funds including cash, credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, money orders, and cashier's or certified bank checks.

• Declares an emergency clause, making the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval or expiration of the veto period, citing the importance of tax-delinquent property management to school districts and local government funding.