SB 399 - In Jackson County, the court shall stay the sale of any tax parcel to be sold under execution of a tax foreclosure judgment, which is the subject of an action filed under the provisions governing nonprofit organizations taking possession of certain abandoned property, if the party which brought such action has paid into the court the principal amount of all land taxes due under the tax foreclosure judgment prior to the date of any proposed sale under execution. The party bringing such action shall provide written notice of the filing to the court administrator and file with the court a certificate that such notice has been provided to the administrator. Upon the court granting temporary possession of the abandoned property to the nonprofit organization, and also upon approval of the sheriff's deed for such property, the circuit court shall direct payment to the county collector of all principal land taxes already paid to the court. When granting a sheriff's deed, the court shall also order the permanent extinguishment of liability against the grantee of the sheriff's deed and all successors in interest, except for any defendant in such action. The funds paid to the court for land taxes shall then be paid to the county collector. If the owner of the abandoned property moves the court for restoration of the property, he or she must pay all land taxes due, including penalties, interest, fees, and costs.
If the party which brings such an action, dismisses its action prior to gaining temporary possession, it shall recover the money paid to the court prior to the date for principal land taxes. If the owner of the tax parcel regains possession, the party bringing the action shall recover from the owner an amount equal to that paid by the party.
SUSAN HENDERSON MOORE