As was posted a few days ago, the Senate Judiciary Committee took up SB 35-39, a package of bills intended to assist local municipalities in dealing with blighted property.  If you recall, there is an exemption for financial institutions from the fines and penalties that other individuals would otherwise be subject to so long as they are adhering to the property preservation guidelines of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or specific US Governmental entity.

Unfortunately, the committee voted it out with the financial institution exemption language still in the package.  The League is opposed to the package with the financial exemption language in it.  The League is very supportive of the intent of the bill sponsors in trying to give local communities teeth in dealing with offenders of blighted property.  However, this language gives a very large exemption to entities who are the biggest offenders of blighted property in some communities.  We are still working on getting this language removed.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development and land use issues.  She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.