MS SB2159

Amends Section 21-19-11 to authorize municipal governing authorities to make repairs to structures on properties deemed menaces to public health, safety, and welfare, including repairs necessary to correct or prevent substantial deterioration from improper maintenance.

Requires municipalities to conduct a hearing with at least two weeks' notice to property owners before declaring a property a menace; notice must be mailed to the property address and tax notice address, and posted on the property and at city hall.

Permits municipalities to reenter properties up to six times per year for building/fence removal and up to twelve times per year for grass cutting and debris removal within one year of initial adjudication, with only seven days' notice.

Limits municipal repair and cleanup expenses to $20,000 per year or the fair market value of the property after repairs, whichever is greater, plus allows penalties up to $1,500 or 50% of actual costs, whichever is more.

Allows municipalities to collect costs and penalties as civil debts through lawsuits or as property assessments that become liens, with collection procedures matching those for delinquent property taxes; effective July 1, 2017.