House Bill No. introduced by S. Gist, E. Tilleman, and C. Sprunger aims to revise local government nuisance laws by establishing a minimum threshold for citizen complaints before county officers can conduct site inspections related to community decay. Specifically, the bill stipulates that at least three property owners within one-fourth of a mile from the property in question must file complaints for an inspection to occur, unless the governing body determines that the condition poses a health violation affecting the surrounding community. This amendment is intended to streamline the process of addressing community decay while ensuring that local governments can still act swiftly in cases of health violations.

Additionally, the bill amends the definitions and powers of city or town councils regarding nuisances. It broadens the scope of what constitutes a nuisance to include conditions that endanger health or safety, are offensive to the senses, or obstruct the comfortable enjoyment of life or property for a community or neighborhood. The bill also clarifies that a nuisance affecting a larger group is still considered a nuisance, regardless of the varying degrees of annoyance or damage experienced by individuals. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(1): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(2): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(3): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(4): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(5): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(1): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(2): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(3): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(4): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(5): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(6): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104