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Committee advances bill giving distressed municipalities option to acquire vacant property
Summary
A794 would let municipalities with a distress score of 45+ acquire vacant or abandoned property by purchase or eminent domain, with notice and challenge processes; supporters said it helps return blight to productive use.
The Housing Committee voted to release Assembly Bill A794, which would allow a municipality designated as distressed (a distress score of 45 or greater) to acquire vacant and abandoned properties either by purchase at fair market value or, in limited cases, by exercising eminent domain.
Committee staff described amendments that set the distress threshold at 45, retain the designation for three years once reached, and preserve foreclosure remedies under existing statutes. Testimony in favor emphasized community safety, redevelopment and the need for municipalities to return blighted properties to productive use.
Supporters included municipal leaders and housing advocates who urged transparency and prioritization of community benefits and affordable-housing outcomes. The committee moved to amend and release the bill; two members abstained and the bill was released.
If enacted, the bill would provide a tool for distressed municipalities to acquire properties for reuse, with notice and challenge procedures for owners and lienholders.
