Bill > HB1017

This bill amends Indiana law to provide expanded rights for tax sale certificate holders and tax deed applicants to enter and maintain abandoned or vacant properties during the redemption period. Specifically, the bill allows these individuals to perform routine maintenance to address potential ordinance violations on properties that are either abandoned structures, vacant real property, or vacant structures. The maintenance can include securing the property, removing trash or debris, landscaping, mowing, and removing or painting over graffiti. The bill provides legal protection for these individuals, granting them immunity from civil liability (unless they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct) and protecting them from civil or criminal trespass claims. The legislation defines key terms such as "political subdivision" and specifies that these maintenance activities are permitted during the tax sale redemption period, which is the timeframe after a tax sale where the original property owner can still reclaim the property by paying the outstanding taxes and fees. This bill aims to help maintain property values and address potential urban blight by allowing tax sale certificate holders to proactively manage potentially neglected properties.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1017/details