Senate Bill 2895

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 29-1-35 AND 29-1-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CONSIDER THE COST OF CLEANUP AND REMOVAL OF DEBRIS WHEN DETERMINING THE PRICE FOR THE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LANDS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 29-1-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

29-1-35. Where buildings and improvements situated on tax-forfeited lands have been removed or destroyed by fire, windstorm, or flood, the Secretary of State may, in his discretion, sell the lands for such amount as he may deem reasonable, irrespective of the amount of taxes for which the property was sold to the state. The Secretary of State may consider the cost of cleanup and removal of debris from destroyed buildings and improvements in determining the price for sale of the lands, or may contract with the purchaser for cleanup and removal of debris from destroyed buildings and improvements as part of the consideration for the sale of the land.

SECTION 2. Section 29-1-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

29-1-57. Where tax-forfeited lands have situated thereon buildings or personal property which are deteriorating, the Secretary of State may sell and dispose of the buildings, personal property and land for any consideration he may deem reasonable, irrespective of the amount of taxes for which they were sold. Where the buildings or personal property have deteriorated to the condition that they are unsafe or constitute a nuisance, then the Secretary of State may consider the cost of cleanup and removal of debris from destroyed buildings and personal property in determining the price for sale of the lands, or may contract with the purchaser for cleanup and removal of debris from destroyed buildings and personal property as part of the consideration for the sale of the land.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.