SF 225: Relating to the acquisition of title of abandoned property in the unincorporated area of a county

What it does

This bill relates to the acquisition of title of abandoned property in the unincorporated area of a county. Current law provides a process for a city to petition a district court to enter judgment awarding title to abandoned property in the city to the city when the property has been abandoned for at least six months. The bill authorizes a county to follow the same process for property located outside of the limits of a city. The bill does not apply to a house, barn, outbuilding, or structure located on agricultural land outside the limits of a city. The bill defines the terms “municipality”, “agricultural land”, and “farming”. The bill makes conforming changes relating to the cancellation of a tax sale certificate for an abandoned property for which a municipality has acquired title.

Senate subcommittee · named February 3, 2021

• Sen. Mike Klimesh (R) · mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Dennis Guth (R) · dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. J. Smith

Lobbying · 4 for, 0 against

For: County Planning and Zoning Officials of Iowa; Iowa State Association of Counties; Iowa State Association of County Supervisors; Marion County Board of Supervisors

In plain words

1. February 2, 2021Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 3, 2021Senate subcommittee named: Klimesh, Guth and J. Smith
3. February 24, 2021Subcommittee recommended passing it