Committee approves bill extending limited environmental liability protection to land banks; reports 25–1

The House Local Government Committee voted to report House Bill 1713 to the full House after a roll‑call vote that the chair announced as 25 in favor and 1 opposed. The measure, introduced by Chairman Freeman, would amend the Economic Development Agency Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act (Act 3 of 1995) to add land banks to the statutory definition of 'economic development agencies' and extend limited environmental liability protections to them.

John, committee staff, described the bill as a technical change that would align land banks with redevelopment authorities and other agencies that can acquire and redevelop potentially contaminated properties such as brownfields. "The bill would provide land banks with the same limited liability protection that is presently afforded to redevelopment authorities," John said, summarizing the statutory amendment and its scope.

Chairman Freeman said environmental liability risk often hampers a land bank's ability to acquire tax‑delinquent or vacant properties and return them to productive use. "Land banks are a critical partner in revitalizing communities and returning vacant and abandoned properties ... back to productive use," Freeman said, urging support for the bill.

The committee took a roll‑call vote, with many members recorded as 'designated yes.' The chair announced the tally as 25–1 and said the bill will be reported to the House for further consideration; no amendments were adopted during the committee's consideration.

Next steps: HB 1713 is reported to the House and awaits scheduling for floor consideration and any subsequent committee referrals or amendments at that stage.