LA HB284

Parishes and municipalities with populations under 50,000 may expropriate abandoned or blighted property through a streamlined "declaration of taking" process to return such properties to commerce

Governing authorities must provide property owners at least 15 days notice before filing an expropriation petition and deposit the appraised property value with the court

Property owners have 15 days after citation to contest the taking on grounds it lacks public purpose or that blighted conditions have been substantially rehabilitated and all taxes paid

Title vests immediately with the governing authority upon court deposit, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, and encumbrances, with creditor claims transferring to the deposited funds

Expropriated properties may be sold at public or private sale, with the governing authority permitted to establish preferences for low-income families or housing rehabilitation organizations