HB 56 Summary

• Creates new Chapter 2308 establishing comprehensive procedures for residential mortgage foreclosure actions, including requirements for preliminary judicial reports filed with complaints and restrictions on filing foreclosures on properties with four or fewer dwelling units.

• Requires plaintiffs in residential foreclosure cases to file a motion for default judgment or show cause within 60 days after defendant's failure to respond, with court authority to dismiss without prejudice for non-compliance.

• Establishes an "abandonment" process allowing properties to vest in county boards of commissioners if all parties fail to file for writs of execution or show cause within 60 days after judgment filing, with abandoned properties transferred to county land banks or disposed of at county discretion.

• Permits corporations to be tried in absentia in criminal proceedings initiated by complaint, with automatic entry of "not guilty" plea upon failure to appear after proper service.

• Modifies residential foreclosure sale procedures including multiple auction requirements with decreasing minimum bids, a $20 additional filing fee for residential foreclosure actions, and expanded redemption rights allowing 60 days from judgment filing notice.