HB 1376 -- Rehabilitation of Abandoned Property

Sponsor:  Rizzo

Current law requires that several conditions be met in order for
an organization to petition the court for temporary possession of
abandoned property.  One of these requirements is that the
organization must intend to rehabilitate the property and use it
for low- or moderate-income housing.  The bill eliminates the
requirement that the property being rehabilitated be used as low-
or moderate-income housing and does not require any particular
use for the property.

Under current law, title to the property is conveyed to the
organization one year following the entry of the order granting
temporary possession to the organization.  Under the bill, title
is conveyed to the organization when the rehabilitation is
complete.

The bill allows the owner of the property to file a motion for
restoration of possession prior to the completion of
rehabilitation.  If the rehabilitation has not already been
completed by the organization, the court will determine whether
or not the owner has the resources and capacity to complete the
rehabilitation.  If the court determines that the owner is not
able to complete the rehabilitation, the court will not restore
possession to the owner.  However, if the court determines that
the owner is able to complete the rehabilitation, possession of
the property will be restored to the owner and the court will
determine proper compensation due to the organization for its
expenditures.

Current law requires that the organization file an annual report
detailing its rehabilitation and use of the property, including a
statement of all expenditures made by the organization.  The bill
requires that these reports be submitted quarterly.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:01 am