HB 951

Abstract

Amends the Property Tax Code concerning tax deeds and procedures. Provides that a person commits the offense of tax sale fraud if he or she knowingly, within 90 days before the expiration of the period of redemption, solicits to acquire an ownership, nonownership, or beneficial interest in real property sold for taxes or for special assessments. Provides that the amount of redemption includes costs for title searches, not to exceed $150. Provides that the Notice Of The Expiration Of The Period Of Redemption may not be served more than 6 months (now, 5 months) before the date of the expiration of the period of redemption. In a Section requiring a purchaser to give Notice Of The Expiration Of The Period Of Redemption, provides that the purchaser must, not less than 3 months and 21 days and not more than 6 months before the expiration of the period of redemption, deliver the notice to the sheriff for service, and the sheriff must serve the notice not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months before the expiration of the period of redemption. In a Section requiring the clerk of the Circuit Court to promptly mail a Notice Of The Expiration Of The Period Of Redemption, provides that if the clerk fails to promptly mail the notice, then the notice is deemed timely if: (i) the purchaser or his or her assignee delivered the notice and costs of mailing to the clerk not less than 3 months and 14 days before the expiration of the period of redemption; and (ii) the clerk mailed the notice not less than 75 days before the expiration of the period of redemption. In a provision concerning grounds for contesting tax deeds: (i) provides that the tax deed may be contested upon proof that the tax deed had been procured by an intentional misrepresentation or intentional omission of a material fact (now, by fraud or deception) by the tax purchaser or his or her assignee; and (ii) defines "recorded ownership" or "recorded interest". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.