MS HB969

County board of supervisors and municipal governing authority decisions ordering demolition, removal, or alteration of structures on private property, nuisance abatement, or any action causing permanent property alteration are automatically stayed upon entry and during any appeal period

If an appeal is timely filed, the automatic stay continues until final disposition by circuit court unless the court orders otherwise for good cause; any action taken in violation of the stay is void

Government officials who knowingly, willfully, or recklessly violate the automatic stay are liable for actual damages including fair market value of demolished property, restoration costs, attorney's fees, and court costs

Minimum damages of $10,000 per structure, tree, or improvement unlawfully demolished, plus pre-judgment interest for prevailing property owners

Governmental immunity is waived for willful, wanton, or reckless violations of property owner rights under this act, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2026