This bill aims to amend and clarify the registration and purchaser requirements for tax-abandoned land auctions and sales conducted by the Auditor in West Virginia. Key changes include the introduction of specific eligibility criteria for potential bidders, such as the requirement to register in advance or submit a notarized affidavit affirming compliance with the outlined requirements. The bill specifies that bidders who have failed to make payments at prior auctions within the last five years, are delinquent in property tax payments, have a history of noncompliance with code enforcement violations, or are involved in legal proceedings related to property violations may be deregistered or refused registration. Additionally, new provisions allow the Auditor to rescind purchases and refund buyers if they are later found to be ineligible.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for selling unsold lands without further auction or advertising, prioritizing sales to adjacent landowners, municipalities, and other entities. It also establishes that potential buyers must demonstrate proper registration with the Secretary of State's office and may be denied the opportunity to purchase if they do not meet specific criteria. The Auditor is granted the authority to create procedural rules to implement these changes effectively. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the tax-abandoned land auction process in West Virginia.

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