Tax Sale Legislation in the General Assembly Update
The three tax sale bills Baltimore City is promoting this year in the General Assembly are below. The updates include the status of each bill.
HB921/SB855 Property Tax - In Rem Foreclosure - (Delegate Smith/Senator McCray)This legislation expands In Rem foreclosure to allow for Baltimore City to foreclose on the liens below the value of the property for vacant and abandoned properties. This is critical legislation to help us acquire tax delinquent vacant properties so that we can turn them into productive use. Hearing in the House is 2/28 and Hearing in the Senate is 3/1. This bill will be amended and we support the bill with amendments.
3/20 Update: Both bills are moving as amended the way we like them. Please continue to have your Delegates and Senators support these bills!
SB766/HB867 Baltimore City - Collection of Unpaid Taxes - (Baltimore City Delegation) This legislation allows Baltimore City to create our own tax and lien collection system, and not have to use the traditional tax sale system. This will allow for Baltimore City to create a system that helps people pay their taxes and not lose their homes. Hearings 2.28 in the House and 3.1 in the Senate.
3/20 Update: SB766 has an amendment that would limit the bill to only homeowners. That is not the intent of complete and total tax sale reform, please contact your senators to remove this harmful amendment. The bill is still in Committee. HB867 has passed the House of Delegates! We love this version, please tell your Delegates and Senators to support this version!
SB769/HB865 Baltimore City - Residential Real Property - Disclaimed Property and Exemptions from Pre-Payment. (Baltimore City Delegation). This legislation allows for property to be transferred to heirs prior to the liens being paid. Typically all liens need to be cleared before transfer of property. In this case, heirs can inherit the property, but still need to work through payment after the transfer. Hearings 2.28 in the House and 3.1 in the Senate.
3/20 Update: The Senate passed this bill unanimously and the bill in the House is still in Committee. The Senate bill has crossed over and will now be considered in the House of Delegates! Continue to encourage your Delegates and Senators to support this important vacancy prevention bill!