The bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code concerning the sale of properties with delinquent tax liens, introducing significant changes to the auction process and bidder requirements. Key modifications include shifting the deadline for presenting delinquent lists to the county commission from May to June 15, and the certification of these lists to the Auditor from June 1 to July 1. It mandates that sheriffs provide certified notices of impending sales through personal service to property owners or occupants, rather than relying solely on mail. The bill also allows the State Auditor to hire private auctioneers, stipulating that the highest bidder may incur a 10% buyer's fee under certain conditions. Additionally, it revises the payment process for successful bidders, requiring a $50 payment to the Auditor and the remainder to the county sheriff.

Further changes include the introduction of new provisions for bidder registration, outlining eligibility criteria and disqualifications based on past compliance with tax and code enforcement regulations. The bill specifies the form of notice to be given prior to the auction, detailing the location, time, and accepted payment methods, including U.S. currency. It also establishes a process for selling unsold lands without further auction, prioritizing sales to adjacent landowners and municipalities, while allowing the Auditor to refuse sales to buyers with a history of noncompliance. Lastly, the bill clarifies the rights of former owners to claim surplus proceeds from the sale of their lands, detailing the distribution of funds if claims are not filed within two years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11A-3-44, 11A-3-45, 11A-3-46
Committee Substitute: 11A-2-14, 11A-3-2, 11A-3-44, 11A-3-45, 11A-3-46, 11A-3-55, 11A-3-65
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 11A-2-14, 11A-3-2, 11A-3-44, 11A-3-45, 11A-3-46, 11A-3-55, 11A-3-65