Mississippi House Bill HB226

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Land sold for taxes; require chancery clerk to immediately execute deed of conveyance to purchaser.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact the way tax sales are conducted and the procedures for redeeming properties that have been sold due to unpaid taxes. By shifting the responsibility to execute the deed of conveyance to the chancery clerk immediately upon payment, it potentially reduces delays in property ownership transfers and ensures that purchasers receive clear titles more promptly. This change could be beneficial for real estate investors and buyers who participate in tax sale auctions, as it provides more certainty regarding their ownership rights.

Summary

House Bill 226 proposes amendments to existing provisions regarding the handling of land sold for taxes in Mississippi. Specifically, the bill updates Section 27-45-23 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to require the chancery clerk to execute a deed of conveyance immediately upon payment of the purchase price by the buyer at a tax sale. This legislative change aims to streamline the process of transferring ownership after a tax sale, which could facilitate quicker property transactions and enhance the clarity of property titles following such sales.

Contention

However, the bill may raise concerns regarding the rights of current landowners and the conditions under which property can be sold for taxes. Opponents of such amendments often point out that immediate execution of deeds could lead to cases where landowners are not fully informed or prepared to lose their properties due to tax defaults. Further amendments to related sections (27-45-3 and 27-41-9) may also be considered for added clarity regarding redemption rights and the interest due on unpaid taxes. These discussions may shape the final version of the bill and address concerns about potentially expedited foreclosures on delinquent taxes.