Ohio lawmakers introduce Gus Frangos Act to reform County Land Bank operations

The Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, spotlighted the introduction of the Gus Frangos Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at reforming the County Land Bank Reutilization Corporation. This bill is designed to enhance the functionality of land banks, which play a crucial role in revitalizing communities by acquiring and repurposing delinquent or abandoned properties.

The act is named in honor of Gus Frangos, a prominent figure in land bank administration who passed away last year. His legacy includes the establishment of Ohio's first land bank in 2009, which has since inspired 70 of the state's 88 counties to adopt similar initiatives. The bill proposes both technical and substantive changes to existing land bank laws, reflecting extensive consultations with the Cuyahoga Land Bank and the Ohio Land Bank Association.

Key provisions of the Gus Frangos Act include the authorization for safety and environmental inspections on abandoned properties during tax foreclosures, ensuring transparency at sheriff's sales. Additionally, it aligns the sheriff's sale process with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, granting property owners the right to expose their properties for sale. Another significant aspect allows county commissioners to provide supplemental funding to land banks, potentially directing up to 50% of future real estate taxes back to the land bank for up to five years.

This legislation not only aims to streamline land bank operations but also seeks to protect consumers and property owners from potential government overreach, marking a significant step forward in Ohio's approach to property management and community development.