HB 1662 -- ABATEMENT OF DERELICT PROPERTIES

CO-SPONSORS:  Gambaro, Kennedy, Barry, Dougherty

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Municipal
Corporations by a vote of 11 to 0.

This bill allows local housing corporations or neighborhood
associations to petition and apply for the appointment of a
receiver to perform an abatement of a dwelling or building that
constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
Current law allows counties or municipalities in which the
building or dwelling is located to do so.  A requirement for the
party to allege the nature of the threat in the petition is
added.

The bill authorizes the court to appoint a local neighborhood
association as a receiver, as long as no local housing
corporation exists for that area.  Current law permits a local
housing corporation, a licensed attorney or real estate broker,
or other qualified person to be appointed as a receiver.  The
bill gives the neighborhood association the right of first
refusal to serve as receiver as long as no local housing
corporation exists for that area and if all lienholders refuse
to serve as receiver or there are no lienholders of record.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill would empower local
housing associations or neighborhood associations to take action
against property owners if their buildings or dwellings are
found in violation of building or housing codes.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Kennedy.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

HB 1662 -- Abatement of Derelict Properties

Co-Sponsors:  Gambaro, Kennedy, Barry, Dougherty

This bill allows local housing corporations or neighborhood
associations to petition and apply for the appointment of a
receiver to perform an abatement of a dwelling or building that
constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
Current law allows counties or municipalities in which the
building or dwelling is located to do so.  A requirement for the
party to allege the nature of the threat in the petition is
added.

The bill authorizes the court to appoint a local neighborhood
association as a receiver, as long as no local housing
corporation exists for that area.  Current law permits a local
housing corporation, a licensed attorney or real estate broker,
or other qualified person to be appointed as a receiver.  The
bill gives the neighborhood association the right of first
refusal to serve as receiver as long as no local housing
corporation exists for that area and if all lienholders refuse
to serve as receiver or there are no lienholders of record.