House Bill 1893 - Bill Summary

• Creates the "Abandoned and Neglected Properties Rehabilitation Act" establishing a legal framework for cities and towns to address abandoned and neglected properties that pose public health, safety, and economic concerns

• Defines abandoned and neglected properties as those unoccupied for 12+ months meeting criteria such as deferred rehabilitation, incomplete construction, unpaid property taxes, or documented nuisance conditions

• Authorizes municipalities to file court actions for possession and control of abandoned properties, allowing owners to defend by submitting rehabilitation plans and posting bonds equal to 125% of projected rehabilitation costs

• Provides municipalities authority to purchase properties at fair market value, establish municipal liens with priority status, conduct special tax sales with eligibility requirements, and distribute sale proceeds following a priority distribution order

• Allows owners to petition for reinstatement of property control after one year by paying all municipal liens and costs, and permits property removal from the abandoned list if tax sale certificate holders pay all outstanding taxes within 30 days