Bill > H3500

This bill establishes a new definition for "blighted property" as a structure or land deemed unfit for human habitation, unsafe, a threat to safety or health, or a nuisance by a local inspector, and amends existing laws to streamline the foreclosure process for such properties due to unpaid property taxes. Specifically, it allows cities and towns to initiate foreclosure proceedings more efficiently by requiring the Land Court to schedule status conferences within 90 days of a foreclosure petition for blighted properties, and it shortens the window for challenging a foreclosure decree to 30 days for blighted properties, unless a bond of at least 25% of outstanding taxes is posted by interested parties seeking to vacate a decree, with an exception for those applying for tax abatement. The bill also clarifies that a "local inspector" refers to a building inspector or similar official designated by a municipality, and outlines a process where a treasurer can request an inspection, leading to a formal determination of blight if conditions are met, followed by notification to the owner and potential foreclosure proceedings.