DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Patrick Williams HB No. 256
Abstract: For purposes of tax sales in any parish other than Orleans, provides an 18-month
redemption period for vacant property sold at tax sale which is blighted or abandoned.
Present constitution provides that property sold at a tax sale is redeemable for three years after
the sale by paying the price given, plus costs, a 5% penalty, and interest at 1% per month until
redemption.
Present constitution provides that in the city of New Orleans, abandoned or blighted property
shall be redeemable for 18 months after the date of recordation of the tax sale.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution but adds a provision that in
parishes other than Orleans, that vacant residential or commercial property which is blighted or
abandoned as defined in present law, shall be redeemable for 18 months after recordation of the
tax sale by payment as provided in present constitution.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be
held Nov. 4, 2014.
Effective Jan. 1, 2015.
(Adds Const. Art. VII, ยง25(B)(3))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Ways and Means to the original
bill.
1. Changes the redemption period for property which is blighted, abandoned,
uninhabitable, or hazardous to 18 months.
House Floor Amendments to the reengrossed bill.
1. Deletes changes relative to abandoned or blighted property in the city of New Orleans
and excludes Orleans Parish from provisions of proposed constitutional amendment.
2. Adds a provision that in any parish other than Orleans, vacant residential or commercial property which is blighted or abandoned as defined in present law shall
be redeemable for 18 months after recordation of the tax sale by payment as provided
in present constitution.