HB 1397 Summary

• Repeals and re-enacts sections of Missouri law governing land tax collection procedures, including establishing new "land bank agencies" that can acquire and manage tax-delinquent properties within municipalities.

• Authorizes municipalities to create land bank agencies by ordinance or resolution to acquire tax-delinquent real estate, manage it in trust for taxing authorities, and return it to productive use while generating revenue for the municipality.

• Establishes governance structure for land bank agencies with boards of commissioners appointed by county, school district, and municipal authorities, with specific powers to acquire, hold, and dispose of real property.

• Modifies tax collection procedures and redemption contracts to accommodate land bank agency operations, including allowing deemed sales to land bank agencies when no bids are received at foreclosure sales.

• Makes miscellaneous changes to various statutes including provisions for water storage tank contracts, city and county officer election procedures, civil fines, liquor licensing, fire protection districts, and anemometer tower safety requirements.