Bill Summary: HB 4897

• Requires agencies to establish just compensation amount and submit good faith written offer to property owners before initiating eminent domain proceedings, disclosing whether the agency reserves or waives rights to pursue cost recovery actions for hazardous substance releases.

• Mandates agencies provide written notice to occupants outlining basic legal rights in eminent domain proceedings, including that residential occupants cannot be displaced until moving expenses are paid and they have up to 180 days to relocate to a comparable replacement dwelling.

• Allows agencies to request tax returns, financial statements, and other financial information (up to 5 years prior) from owners to establish just compensation, with owners receiving reimbursement for reasonable reproduction costs up to $1,000 plus actual costs.

• Establishes procedures for owners to file written claims within 90 days for property other than that described in the original offer or for damages caused by the taking, with specific deadlines for exchanging appraisals and supplemental information.

• Increases compensation for principal residences receiving property tax exemptions under MCL 211.7cc from 5 years to up to 10 years of tax differential if the owner purchases a replacement dwelling in the same city, village, or township within 180 days after title vests in the agency.