Bill > HB0444

This bill, known as the "Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act," makes several key changes to how housing authorities can acquire and manage property. It provides a new, specific definition of "blighted property" that focuses on significant structural and safety code violations that remain unaddressed after two notices. The bill clarifies that housing authorities can acquire real property through negotiated sales without using eminent domain (forced sale) and can even pay more than fair market value for properties in non-blighted areas. Property owners are now guaranteed the right to have a court determine if a proposed property taking is truly to remediate blight. The legislation also maintains housing authorities' ability to designate urban renewal areas and apply for redevelopment grants, while restricting the use of eminent domain to only blighted properties or those with clear public use. Additionally, the bill allows housing authorities to hire third-party agents to negotiate property purchases at the authority's expense. These changes aim to provide more protection for property owners while giving housing authorities flexibility in urban renewal and redevelopment efforts.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0444&ga=114