MS HB1749

Authorizes the City of Biloxi governing authorities to hold hearings to determine if property is blighted or poses a public health and safety menace, either on their own motion or upon petition by a majority of residents within 400 feet of the property

Defines "blighted property" as commercial or multifamily structures damaged by Hurricane Katrina that are unsuitable for occupancy, neglected, subject to unauthorized entry, rodent infestation, or dilapidated to the point of being a community danger

Requires property owners receive notice by U.S. mail two weeks before hearings and through posted notices; if property is adjudicated blighted, the city may clean it by cutting grass, removing rubbish, demolishing dilapidated buildings, and draining standing water

Allows the city to impose penalties up to $1,500 or 50% of actual cleaning costs (whichever is greater) and collect costs as either a civil debt with court fees and attorney's fees, or as a lien against the property enforceable through tax sale

Permits the city to re-enter and clean adjudicated properties for one year after the initial hearing with only 7 days posted notice, with annual cleaning expenses capped at $20,000 or the property's fair market value, whichever is less