MS HB1551

Authorizes county boards of supervisors to assess cleanup costs and penalties against property owners either as a civil debt or as a lien against the property.

Allows boards to impose penalties up to $1,500 or 50% of actual cleanup costs, whichever is greater, when property is adjudicated a menace to public health and safety.

If collected as a civil debt, the board may sue the property owner for costs, penalties, court costs, attorney's fees, and interest; if collected as a lien, the tax collector may sell the property to satisfy the lien similar to tax delinquency sales.

Establishes that liens against the property are encumbrances that follow title and property owners retain redemption rights equivalent to those available in tax sale situations.

Effective July 1, 2020.