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Bill

S 2122

Jury ACCESS Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Susan Collins and 9 co-sponsors

Bill S 2122 empowers municipalities to impose civil penalties on property owners for neglecting foreclosed properties, improving neighborhood safety and property values.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2122

Summary of Bill S 2122

Bill Number: S 2122
Title: Authorizes municipalities and the Department of Financial Services to seek civil penalties for violations of the duty to maintain a foreclosed property
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2122 aims to empower municipalities and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to impose civil penalties on property owners who fail to maintain foreclosed properties. The legislation is designed to address the growing issue of neglected foreclosures, which can lead to decreased property values, increased crime rates, and overall deterioration of neighborhoods.

Key Provisions

  • Civil Penalties: The bill allows local governments and the DFS to impose civil penalties on property owners who do not fulfill their duty to maintain foreclosed properties. This includes ensuring that properties are secure, free from hazards, and maintained in a manner that does not negatively impact the surrounding community.

  • Enforcement Mechanism: The bill outlines the process by which municipalities can enforce these penalties, including the ability to issue fines and take legal action against non-compliant property owners.

  • Reporting Requirements: Municipalities may be required to report on the number of violations and penalties imposed, providing transparency and accountability in the enforcement process.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Property Owners: Individuals or entities that own foreclosed properties will be directly affected, as they will be subject to penalties for non-compliance with maintenance standards.

  • Municipalities: Local governments will gain additional authority and tools to manage the upkeep of foreclosed properties, potentially improving community standards and property values.

  • Residents: Communities surrounding foreclosed properties may benefit from improved neighborhood conditions, leading to enhanced safety and quality of life.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development.
  • May 1, 2025: Bill amended and recommitted to the same committee.
  • May 12, 2025: First report calendar.
  • May 13, 2025: Second report calendar.
  • May 14, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • May 21, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
  • May 22, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Related Bills

  • A 5890: A prior-session bill that may have similar objectives or provisions.
  • A 8083: A companion bill that may address related issues or provide additional context to the enforcement of property maintenance standards.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 2122, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on property owners, municipalities, and residents. The bill is currently under consideration in the Judiciary Committee following its passage in the Senate.

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

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