Mississippi House Bill HB1269

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Patent confirmation process; fees and costs associated with shall not be more than amount for which the land was purchased.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1269 would specifically impact statutes related to the sale and confirmation of titles for land that has been forfeited due to tax issues. By capping the associated fees and costs, the bill aims to reduce the financial barriers currently experienced by individuals and entities looking to purchase state-forfeited tax properties. This could lead to an increase in the number of land purchases, as prospective buyers may see improved financial viability in acquiring these properties. Furthermore, the bill may facilitate more efficient transfers of title, potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Summary

House Bill 1269 aims to amend provisions in the Mississippi Code concerning the fees and costs associated with the patent confirmation process for state-forfeited tax lands. The bill stipulates that the fees and costs involved in this process shall not exceed the amount paid for the land itself by the purchaser. This legislative measure is geared towards making the acquisition of such forfeited lands more accessible and economically feasible for potential buyers, reflecting the legislators' intent to encourage private ownership of these lands.

Contention

The bill's language received attention during discussions, particularly from proponents who argue that it promotes clearer, simpler processes for acquiring state lands and addresses issues of accessibility. However, opponents raised concerns about the implications for local governments and their ability to recoup losses associated with tax forfeitures. Critics fear that if the fees are too low, local agencies may rely on less revenue from these sales, which could ultimately affect funding for public services. Therefore, the discussions surrounding HB 1269 reflect a balancing act between encouraging land acquisition and maintaining fiscal responsibility for local entities.