Bill > HB1148

This bill establishes a "Legacy Protection Program" administered by the State Tax Sale Ombudsman to help heirs who inherit a dwelling maintain ownership and prevent tax sales. The program allows heirs, who are defined as individuals entitled to inherit a deceased homeowner's dwelling, to become the official record title holder of the property and remain in their homes. It also expands the definition of "homeowner" to include the estate, personal representative, or an heir or legatee of a deceased homeowner. The bill also creates a dedicated "Legacy Protection Fund" to finance this program, which will be funded by state appropriations, county contributions derived from interest on overdue property taxes, and other sources, and clarifies that interest earned on certain special funds will accrue to the General Fund, with the Legacy Protection Fund being an exception. Additionally, it allows heirs to apply for property tax credits for up to three years even if they are not yet the record title holder, and provides grants for legal services and direct financial assistance to help heirs cover probate fees and inheritance taxes for dwellings valued at $450,000 or less.