HB 323 Summary

• Permits corporations to be tried in absentia in criminal proceedings initiated by complaint, allowing courts to enter a "not guilty" plea if the corporation fails to appear after proper service of summons.

• Establishes comprehensive procedures for residential mortgage foreclosure actions, including requirements for preliminary and final judicial title reports filed with complaints and mandatory notification to defendants about filing deadlines and consequences.

• Creates an "abandoned property" mechanism allowing properties to transfer to county boards of commissioners after three failed auctions or when all parties abandon rights, with the county managing disposition through land banks or other means.

• Requires plaintiffs in residential foreclosures to file for writs of execution within 60 days of judgment filing or risk automatic abandonment of their lien and loss of deficiency judgment rights.

• Adds a $20 filing fee for residential mortgage foreclosure actions and implements new procedures for property sales, including multiple auction attempts with declining minimum bids before property abandonment and transfer.