On February 7, 2023, MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 0236 – Tax Sales – State Tax Sale Ombudsman – Outreach Campaign with amendments to bolster the outreach program by authorizing alternative communication methods to reach homeowners facing tax sale, as some homeowners may not have access to telephone services.
This bill requires the State Tax Sales Ombudsman to implement an annual outreach campaign to inform homeowners facing tax sale about resources and programs available through the Ombudsman’s office.
State law requires local governments to collect delinquent real property taxes and other unpaid charges, all of which are liens against real property. Under current law, county governments must bring to tax sale all property in arrears for at least two years.
From the MACo Testimony:
MACo strongly prefers that homeowners receive all counseling, education, information, support, and additional assistance when appropriate to avoid the tax sale process. To that end, MACo supports this bill as a wise approach to facilitating access to support services when it is most helpful.
However, counties respectfully request that this Committee consider bolstering the outreach program by authorizing alternative communication methods to reach homeowners facing tax sale, as some homeowners may not have access to telephone services.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
Learn more about MACo’s 2023 Legislative Initiatives
Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog
