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HB 4037

City of Greenwood; authorize to establish a Vacant and Abandoned Structures Registration Program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Solomon Osborne

Greenwood may create a local program to register, maintain, insure, and rehabilitate vacant and abandoned structures to reduce blight and boost safety and revitalization.

Died In Committee
#localandprivatelegislation
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Bill Summary · HB 4037

Summary of HB 4037 (Mississippi, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 4037 would authorize the City of Greenwood to establish a Vacant and Abandoned Structures Registration Program. The program is designed to promote public health, safety, and welfare by addressing blight, decay, crime, and safety hazards associated with vacant and abandoned properties. The bill directs the city to use the program to support neighborhood revitalization and community reinvestment.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of a program: The governing authorities of Greenwood may, by ordinance, establish a Vacant and Abandoned Structures Registration Program.
  • Coverage of properties: The program would cover vacant and abandoned residential and nonresidential structures within Greenwood that contribute to blight or other hazards.
  • Objectives and protections:
    • Ensure properties are maintained in compliance with applicable building codes.
    • Improve safety for first responders and the public by requiring building plans and other information.
    • Require proof of insurance for applicable structures.
    • Establish registration fees and penalties for noncompliance.
    • Encourage timely rehabilitation or redevelopment of affected properties.
  • Policy goals: Reduce blight, promote property values, and support economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

Affected Parties

  • Municipal governance: City of Greenwood, specifically its governing authorities, which would adopt and administer the program by ordinance.
  • Property owners and managers: Owners of vacant and abandoned structures in Greenwood, who would be subject to registration, maintenance, insurance, and potential penalties.
  • Public safety and planning agencies: Entities responsible for enforcing codes and reviewing building plans and insurance requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: The act would take effect on passage.
  • Legislative status:
    • Referred to the Local and Private Legislation committee.
    • Died in committee (no further action in this session).
    • Previous actions include suspension from deadlines by HC and formal introduction in February 2026.

Notes and Context

  • The bill provides a framework giving Greenwood discretionary authority to create the program via local ordinance; it does not mandate a statewide program.
  • Key elements (registration, maintenance compliance, insurance, fees/penalties, and promotion of rehabilitation) outline how the program would operate and what outcomes are expected (reduced blight, improved safety, and revitalization).

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar vacant/abandoned structure programs in other Mississippi municipalities or draft a one-page briefing for local stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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