Local government: nuisance abatement.

Senator Richardson's local government reform measure enables cities and counties to collect nuisance abatement fines through property liens and special assessments, while directing recovered funds toward housing development and rehabilitation initiatives. The legislation applies specifically to violations involving electrical, plumbing, and structural issues that create health and safety hazards.

Under the bill's provisions, local governments must establish hardship waiver processes, including automatic fine waivers for residents earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Property owners receive 60 days to remedy continuing violations before penalties apply, except in cases posing immediate health or safety risks. Cities and counties can recover fines through nuisance abatement liens or special assessments against properties, with collections following existing municipal tax procedures.

The measure requires that recovered penalties fund local permit streamlining efforts for housing development or establish revolving loan programs for substandard housing rehabilitation. It maintains existing provisions allowing recovery of abatement costs and attorney fees while adding new requirements for notice, recordation, and lien procedures. The amendments expire on January 1, 2035, at which point the code sections revert to their current form.