HB3444 Summary

• Removes the provision prohibiting municipal officials from holding office while in arrears on taxes or debts to the municipality, replacing it with a new debt collection process.

• Establishes a 30-day notice and opportunity to pay or contest procedure before a municipal official can be disqualified for owing a debt to the municipality.

• Creates a formal hearing process with an appointed municipal hearing officer to adjudicate disputed debts, with written findings and opportunity for judicial review in circuit court.

• Defines "debt" as an arrearage over 30 days overdue that has been adjudicated by a tribunal with jurisdiction, and requires the official to pay within 30 days after final determination or face disqualification.

• Applies new debt collection procedures to both municipalities under 500,000 population and cities with 500,000 or more population, allowing military service time to count toward residency requirements.