This bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code concerning the sale of properties with delinquent tax liens, aiming to streamline the process and enhance transparency. Key changes include shifting the deadline for sheriffs to present delinquent lists to the county commission from May to June 15, and requiring the Auditor to certify a list of lands subject to sale by July 1 instead of August 1. The bill mandates that sheriffs provide certified notices of impending sales to property owners and occupants, allows the State Auditor to hire private auctioneers, and introduces a 10 percent buyer's fee for successful bids involving private auctioneers. Additionally, it raises the fee for issuing a certificate of redemption from $20 to $30 and the Auditor's fee for preparing a list of lands from $25 to $35.

Further modifications include stricter eligibility criteria for bidders at public auctions, requiring advance registration and a review of compliance history with tax payments and code enforcement violations. The bill also mandates that all lands subject to sale must be certified before July 1 and that sales be completed within 150 days of certification. It increases the fee for preparing and publishing auction notices from $30 to $40 and adjusts the Auditor's compensation structure, raising the certification fee from $20 to $30 and the maximum commission on sales or redemptions from $120 to $140. Surplus proceeds from sales will be allocated to various state funds if not claimed within two years, ensuring a fair and efficient auction process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11A-2-14, 11A-3-2, 11A-3-39, 11A-3-44, 11A-3-45, 11A-3-46, 11A-3-48, 11A-3-55, 11A-3-65, 11A-3-66