Committee advances bill to create optional notice list for delinquent real-estate tax sales

House Bill 96, sponsored by Representative Peele, was advanced unanimously by the Commerce Committee. The bill would establish designation forms that allow a third party—such as a next of kin—to be notified if a property with delinquent real-estate taxes is subject to a tax sale or sheriff sale.

Sponsor Representative Peele described the measure as a voluntary program aimed at seniors and people with cognitive impairments who may be isolated or unable to handle tax notices. He said that in his experience as an appointed guardianship attorney, several properties owned by cognitively impaired individuals proceeded to tax sale even though the owners had the financial means to pay the taxes.

Representative Piali, who remarked that the bill had strong bipartisan support in the prior session, said the bill is similar to HB1646 from last session and that it previously passed committee and the House floor with broad support. Representative Schaeffer asked whether the program could be expanded beyond a senior-only eligibility threshold; he proposed discussing an amendment to allow designation for property owners of any age if appropriate.

Committee action: Representative Piali moved the bill forward and Representative Harris seconded; committee members registered no negative votes and the bill passed unanimously out of committee. The committee record shows members spoken during the discussion included Representative Peele, Representative Piali, Representative Schaeffer and Chairman Lawrence.

What the bill does not specify in committee: The version considered was described as voluntary; the transcript does not specify the exact form language, whether counties would be required to maintain the designee list, or any funding for county implementation.