Property tax sales: access to tax-defaulted property information.
AB 2021 would significantly affect state tax law by establishing clearer requirements for local tax collectors and enhancing the public's access to tax-defaulted property listings. By moving forward with these requirements, the bill addresses existing barriers that may prevent community organizations and individuals from pursuing ownership of property that may otherwise remain inactive due to the complexities involved in accessing such information. Should it be enacted, AB 2021 has the potential to facilitate a greater number of tax sales and thereby contribute to local housing initiatives.
Assembly Bill 2021, introduced by Assembly Member Wicks, seeks to enhance transparency and public access to information about tax-defaulted properties in California. The bill mandates that each county tax collector must publish specific information on their websites about tax-defaulted properties available for sale, including details on how to obtain the list, the formats in which it may exist, and the expected time frames for delivery following a request. It aims to streamline the process for engaging with these properties, particularly for nonprofit organizations interested in acquiring them for purposes such as affordable housing.
The overall sentiment surrounding AB 2021 appears to be largely supportive, centered on the themes of greater transparency and increased access to critical property information. Proponents argue that these changes are necessary to support the development of affordable housing and to empower nonprofit organizations that are geared toward public benefit. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation burden on local tax collectors as they adapt to the new requirements, although the bill does include provisions for reimbursement of any mandated costs, which may mitigate opposition.
Key points of contention may arise around the logistics of implementing the required online systems and the associated costs for local jurisdictions. While the bill provides for the reimbursement of local agencies should the Commission on State Mandates identify additional costs incurred due to its provisions, questions linger about how effectively and quickly these systems can be established. Additionally, organizations may need to navigate any fee structures that could emerge, which might paradoxically hinder rather than promote access to these critical resources for low-income communities.