This bill amends the Home Rule City Act to permit cities with populations of 7,500 or more, or those with populations of 3,300 or more in counties with populations of 1.5 million or more, to create an administrative hearings bureau. This bureau will be responsible for adjudicating and imposing sanctions for blight violations as defined by the city's charter or ordinances. The legislation outlines the procedures for issuing violation notices, the jurisdiction of the bureau, and the types of violations classified as blight, such as zoning, property maintenance, and solid waste issues. Importantly, the bureau is restricted from handling criminal offenses or imposing incarceration penalties, and it allows cities to waive fines for first-time offenders who rectify their violations.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "person" concerning blight ordinance violations, encompassing various legal entities and their representatives. It stipulates that if a violation is not corrected within 30 days of a final decision by a hearing officer or circuit court, the individual or entity will be guilty of a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 90 days of imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. The bill also includes a provision for its enactment, which is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 631 from the 103rd Legislature, ensuring alignment with the broader legislative framework.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 117.4