This bill aims to amend and clarify the registration process for tax abandoned land auctions and sales conducted by the Auditor in West Virginia. Key changes include the requirement for potential bidders to register in advance or submit a notarized affidavit affirming their eligibility on the day of the auction. The bill specifies that bidders must not have any outstanding payments from previous auctions within the last five years, must not be delinquent in property tax payments, and must not have a history of noncompliance with code enforcement violations. Additionally, it introduces stricter criteria for eligibility, including a review of any legal proceedings related to code enforcement violations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for selling unsold lands without further auction or advertising, prioritizing sales to adjacent landowners, municipalities, and other entities. The Auditor is granted the authority to refuse sales to potential buyers who do not meet the established criteria, including those with a history of noncompliance or outstanding debts. The bill also allows the Auditor to engage a licensed attorney for title examinations, with costs potentially borne by the purchaser. Overall, these amendments are designed to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the tax land auction process in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11A-3-45, 11A-3-48