Committee advances Bristol-backed bill allowing court-appointed conveyance of long-vacant blighted property

Senate Committee on Local Government — Richmond, Jan. 13, 2025 — The committee voted to report Senate Bill 1476, a bill sponsored at the City of Bristol’s request that creates a narrow process allowing local governments to pursue court-authorized conveyance of derelict property when certain conditions are met.

Senator Pillian explained the bill’s origin: a 36-acre former Virginia Intermont College campus that closed about 2010 and later went into disrepair has caused public-safety and tax-collection issues for Bristol. The bill applies when a property has been vacant for five years, has been declared blighted under existing code, and is tax-levied by the locality. Under the measure, localities may petition a court to appoint a special commissioner to convey title; parties retain the opportunity to present evidence and arguments after notice.

City officials emphasized the narrowness of the request and that the bill combines elements of existing statutes (Title 58.13-970.1 for special commissioner foreclosure and 15.2-958.1 for Richmond’s sale authority). City Manager/City Attorney representatives described the property’s condition and said about $436,000 in taxes were owed on the Bristol property.

Debate: Senators asked whether eminent domain would apply and whether owners would be compensated. Testimony from the city’s representatives said taxes and fees would be repaid from sale proceeds and any surplus would be statutorily returned to the owner. Opponents who testified online urged limiting powers to health and safety issues rather than broader general-welfare language.

Outcome: The committee reported SB 1476 as amended (ayes 10, noes 3). Committee minutes and the bill’s substitute delete a contested subsection and lengthen the vacancy period to five years as part of line amendments.