HB 5264 Summary

• Requires foreclosing governmental units to initiate a search of records by May 1 following property forfeiture to identify owners of property interests entitled to notice of show cause and foreclosure hearings.

• Mandates notice be sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) at least 30 days before the show cause hearing, and also by first-class mail to property owners, persons entitled to notice of delinquent tax returns, and occupants if the address is evident.

• Requires personal visits to each forfeited property to determine occupancy; if occupied, representatives must attempt personal service, orally inform occupants of foreclosure consequences, and provide information about available assistance agencies.

• Specifies that when addresses cannot be determined after reasonable search efforts, notice must be published for 3 successive weeks in a county newspaper, and establishes specific searches required for individuals, partnerships, and business entities.

• Provides that properly served property owners cannot later challenge the foreclosure on grounds that other owners were not served or that the redemption period was improperly extended.