Maryland Senate Bill SB939

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/22
• Refer: 2/13/22

Caption

Tax Sales - Property Maintenance and Nuisance Condition Violation Judgments

Impact

The enactment of SB939 would significantly affect the enforcement mechanisms available to municipalities regarding property maintenance and nuisance laws. It would allow local governments to sell properties with outstanding maintenance judgments in the same way properties with delinquent property taxes can be sold. This could lead to more effective compliance with local property standards and potentially improve community aesthetics and safety by reducing the number of neglected properties.

Summary

Senate Bill 939, titled 'Tax Sales - Property Maintenance and Nuisance Condition Violation Judgments,' seeks to authorize tax sales for real property due to unpaid judgments related to property maintenance and violations of local nuisance conditions. This bill establishes that these particular judgments will have a first lien on the real property, outlined in the amendments to the current Maryland property tax law. By enabling municipalities to initiate tax sales on properties connected to these unpaid judgments, SB939 attempts to address property maintenance issues within local jurisdictions.

Contention

While the bill may provide benefits in terms of local enforcement capabilities, there might be controversy surrounding the potential implications for property owners. Critics may argue that increasing the mechanisms for tax sales could disproportionately impact vulnerable communities facing financial hardship. They may also emphasize the need to ensure that property owners receive adequate notice and opportunities to remedy violations before facing tax sale actions. Balancing local government enforcement with the rights of property owners is likely to be a point of contention in discussions surrounding this legislation.