An act relating to property tax sales for property that is abandoned or unfit for human habitation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Mihaly

H.773 changes how tax sales are handled for abandoned or uninhabitable properties, aiming to streamline disposition and promote rehabilitation or transfer to responsible stewards.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

Summary of Bill H.773 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and Intent

H.773 proposes changes to how property tax sales are handled for properties that are abandoned or unfit for human habitation.

The bill aims to address issues related to neglected, vacant, or deteriorating properties by altering the process or criteria used to conduct property tax sales in such cases.

Key Provisions and Changes (as described by bill title and typical scope)

While the full text is not provided in your materials, the bill’s title indicates changes specifically targeted at properties:

That are abandoned
That are unfit for human habitation

Potential focal areas (based on common legislative approaches to similar issues) may include:

Definitions or criteria for what qualifies as "abandoned" or "unfit for human habitation."
Criteria for initiating property tax sales on such properties.
Additional protections for occupants, neighbors, or communities (e.g., notice requirements, remediation timelines).
Provisions to facilitate rehabilitation or transfer of ownership to responsible stewards.
Possible adjustments to penalties, redemption periods, or bid procedures in tax sales for these properties.

The bill may also introduce oversight or reporting requirements for local officials administering tax sales.

Note: The available information confirms only the bill’s title and sponsor details. The exact text would specify precise changes, timelines, and procedural modifications.

Who Would Be Affected

Property owners facing tax delinquency on abandoned or uninhabitable properties.

Local municipalities and their treasurers or tax administration departments responsible for tax sales.

Prospective buyers at tax sales and neighboring residents in proximity to such properties.

Communities affected by blight or vacancy, potentially improving blight remediation outcomes.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Current action: On January 23, 2026, the bill was read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.

There is no available record of committee hearings or subsequent actions in the provided materials.

If advanced, the bill would proceed through the committee process (public hearings, potential amendments), followed by floor readings and votes in the House, and then potential consideration by the Senate and governor.

Practical Implications and Potential Impacts

If enacted, the bill could streamline or modify the process for disposing of tax-delinquent properties that are abandoned or unsafe for living.

It could incentivize rehabilitation or prompt disposition to responsible owners or developers, reducing blight and improving neighborhood safety and aesthetics.

Depending on the text, safeguards may exist to protect vulnerable occupants, ensure due process, or require certain remediation standards before sale.

If you can provide the full text of H.773, I can deliver a precise, clause-by-clause summary with exact provisions, timelines, definitions, and potential fiscal impacts.