A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dean Fisher

HF 133 establishes a grant program to fund the demolition of vacant school buildings, enhancing community safety and property values through local government support.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 517.

#buildings #demolishedproperty #grants #schools

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 133
Title: A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.
Status: Renumbered as HF 517 after committee report approval.
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Buildings, demolished property, grants, schools

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 133 is to establish a grant program aimed at facilitating the demolition of vacant school buildings. This initiative seeks to address issues related to abandoned educational properties, promoting community development and safety by ensuring that these sites are managed effectively post-demolition.

Key Provisions

Creation of a Grant Program: The bill establishes a vacant school building demolition grant program, which will be funded through a designated grant fund.

Use of Funds: The funds can be utilized by political subdivisions (e.g., local governments) to cover the costs associated with the demolition of vacant school buildings.

Property Management Post-Demolition: While political subdivisions are not required to sell the property after demolition, if they choose to do so, they must remit the proceeds (after deducting demolition costs) to the grant fund.

Administrative Costs: The authority managing the fund may allocate up to 5% of the total fund for administrative expenses, including compliance and marketing efforts.

Annual Reporting: The authority is mandated to submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor’s office by January 31, detailing the program's outcomes and suggesting potential improvements.

Impact

Affected Entities: The bill primarily affects local governments and school districts with vacant school buildings. It provides them with financial support to manage and demolish these properties, which can lead to improved community aesthetics and safety.

Community Development: By facilitating the demolition of vacant buildings, the program aims to enhance local property values and encourage economic development in surrounding areas.

Procedural Aspects

Effective Date: The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, contingent upon the appropriation of funds for the vacant school building demolition grant program for the fiscal year beginning on the same date.

Legislative Timeline:

January 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Economic Growth and Technology Committee.
February 6, 2025: Subcommittee formed to review the bill.
February 10, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held.
February 12, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.
February 19, 2025: Committee report recommending passage; committee vote results in 18 yeas and 3 nays.
February 20, 2025: Bill approved by committee and renumbered as HF 517.

This summary provides an overview of HF 133, outlining its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural details to inform stakeholders and the public about the proposed legislation.

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