MS HB1213

Brings forward Section 21-19-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, which authorizes municipalities to assess costs against property deemed a menace to public health, safety, and welfare.

Requires municipalities to conduct a hearing, either on their own motion or upon petition by a majority of residents within 400 feet of the property, with notice provided by mail and posting at least two weeks before the hearing.

Authorizes municipalities to clean menaced properties and assess actual costs plus penalties up to $1,500 or 50% of actual cost (whichever is more) against the property owner as either a civil debt or property assessment.

Allows municipalities to reenter properties for maintenance up to six times per year for building removal and twelve times per year for grass cutting and debris removal, with costs capped at $20,000 annually (or fair market value, whichever is greater), excluding hazardous substance removal costs.

Permits assessments to be collected as liens against property, enrolled as judgments, and enforced through property sale similar to delinquent municipal tax collection procedures; effective July 1, 2015.