Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction
Impact
The introduction of this bill is intended to enhance the efficiency of local governments in addressing blighted properties while providing a structured process for land banks to acquire properties that have fallen into tax delinquency. The criteria established for the right of first refusal include properties assessed at $50,000 or less and those with significant municipal liens, ensuring that local governments can intervene strategically in the property market. This maneuver aims to mitigate the impacts of urban decay and promote community development in targeted areas.
Summary
Senate Bill 538 seeks to amend existing provisions in the West Virginia Code regarding the acquisition of tax-delinquent properties by land reuse agencies and municipal land banks. A key feature of this bill is the removal of the sunset date that allowed these entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they were offered at public auction. This change grants municipal land banks and land reuse agencies greater permanence in their ability to manage and acquire these types of properties, fostering initiatives aimed at revitalization and land management.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB538 appears largely positive with strong bipartisan support as it was passed unanimously in the Senate. Proponents argue that the bill empowers local entities to make impactful decisions regarding underutilized properties and aids in community rebuilding. This perspective emphasizes a collaborative approach to local governance and economic development, highlighting the bill’s potential to benefit neighborhoods by increasing property ownership opportunities and reducing blight.
Contention
Despite its favorable reception, potential points of contention include concerns about how these provisions may be applied and monitored, particularly regarding the criteria for the right of first refusal. Critics may worry that while the bill aims to foster local control, it could inadvertently lead to issues of accountability and transparency in land acquisitions. The new authority granted for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to audit land bank activities might also raise questions about how these audits will be conducted and the implications for existing local processes.
Relating to the administration of the Voluntary Remediation and Redevelopment Act to provide new liability protections for persons and companies who wish to purchase and redevelop former industrial properties.