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SB 973
Missouri Senate•Signed by Governor
Summary
SB 973, which creates and modifies provisions relating to real estate transactions, was introduced in the Senate on Dec 1, 2025 by Sen. Curtis Trent (R). It last saw action on Jul 13, 2026: Signed by Governor.
Record
Text
SB 973 has 6 roll calls.
sb973/enrolled.txtSECOND REGULAR SESSION[TRULY AGREED TO AND FINALLY PASSED]CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FORHOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FORSENATE SUBSTITUTE FORSENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FORSENATE BILL NO. 973103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY20264981S.06TAN ACTTo repeal sections 140.010, 140.190, 140.250, 140.420, 140.980, 140.981, 140.982, 140.983,140.984, 140.985, 140.986, 140.987, 140.988, 140.991, 140.994, 140.995, 140.1000,140.1009, 140.1012, 141.220, 141.230, 141.250, 141.270, 141.290, 141.300, 141.320,141.330, 141.360, 141.410, 141.440, 141.500, 141.520, 141.535, 141.540, 141.550,141.560, 141.570, 141.580, 141.610, 141.620, 141.680, 141.700, 141.819, 141.980,141.984, 141.1009, 141.1020, and 249.255, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof fifty-one new sections relating to real estate transactions, with penalty provisions.Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:1Section A. Sections 140.010, 140.190, 140.250, 140.420,2 140.980, 140.981, 140.982, 140.983, 140.984, 140.985, 140.986,3 140.987, 140.988, 140.991, 140.994, 140.995, 140.1000,4 140.1009, 140.1012, 141.220, 141.230, 141.250, 141.270,5 141.290, 141.300, 141.320, 141.330, 141.360, 141.410, 141.440,6 141.500, 141.520, 141.535, 141.540, 141.550, 141.560, 141.570,7 141.580, 141.610, 141.620, 141.680, 141.700, 141.819, 141.980,8 141.984, 141.1009, 141.1020, and 249.255, RSMo, are repealed9 and fifty-one new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known10 as sections 140.010, 140.190, 140.250, 140.420, 140.980,EXPLANATION-Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in this bill is not enactedand is intended to be omitted in the law.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 211 140.981, 140.982, 140.983, 140.984, 140.985, 140.986, 140.987,12 140.988, 140.991, 140.994, 140.995, 140.1000, 140.1009,13 140.1012, 141.220, 141.230, 141.250, 141.270, 141.290, 141.300,14 141.320, 141.330, 141.360, 141.410, 141.440, 141.500, 141.520,15 141.535, 141.540, 141.550, 141.560, 141.570, 141.580, 141.610,16 141.620, 141.680, 141.700, 141.819, 141.980, 141.984, 141.1009,17 141.1020, 249.255, 407.3600, 442.920, and 1, to read as follows:1140.010. 1. All real estate upon which the taxes2 remain unpaid on the first day of January, annually, are3 delinquent, and the county collector shall enforce the lien4 of the state thereon, as required by this chapter. Any5 failure to properly return the delinquent list, as required6 by this chapter, in no way affects the validity of the7 assessment and levy of taxes, nor of the foreclosure and8 sale by which the collection of the taxes is enforced, nor9 in any manner affects the lien of the state on the10 delinquent real estate for the taxes unpaid thereon.11 2. Alternatively, any county may, by adoption of a12 resolution or order of the county commission of such county,13 elect to operate under the provisions of sections 141.210 to14 141.810 for any parcel [for which there is an unpaid tax15 bill for a period of at least two years after the date on16 which it became delinquent]. Any county electing to operate17 as such shall be called a "partial opt-in county". No18 county eligible to establish a land bank agency under19 subsection 1 of section 140.981 shall elect to operate as a20 partial opt-in county unless the county first elects to21 establish a land bank agency as provided in subsection 1 of22 section 140.981. In accordance with section 141.290, after23 the adoption of such resolution or order by a county24 commission, the collector of the county shall decide which25 tax delinquent parcels shall proceed according to theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 326 provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810. Such parcels27 shall be exempt from the provisions of sections 140.030 to28 140.722. The collector shall remove such parcels from any29 list of parcels advertised for first, second, third, or post-30 third sales.1140.190. 1. On the day mentioned in the notice, the2 county collector shall commence the sale of such lands, and3 shall continue the same from day to day until each parcel4 assessed or belonging to each person assessed shall be sold5 as will pay the taxes, interest, and charges thereon, or6 chargeable to such person in said county.72. (1) The person or land bank agency offering at8 said sale to pay the required sum for a tract shall be9 considered the purchaser of such land; provided, no sale10 shall be made to any person or designated agent who:11 (a) Is currently delinquent on any tax payments on any12 property, other than a delinquency on the property being13 offered for sale, and who does not sign an affidavit stating14 such at the time of sale. Failure to sign such affidavit as15 well as signing a false affidavit may invalidate such sale;16 (b) Is a member of the governing body of a land bank17 agency;18 (c) Is an employee of a land bank agency;19 (d) Is an elected or appointed official of the20 governing body, or an employee of such official, of the21 political subdivision in which a land bank agency is22 located; or23 (e) Is related within the second degree of24 consanguinity to a person described in paragraphs (b) to (d)25 of this subdivision.26 (2) No bid shall be received from any person not a27 resident of the state of Missouri or a foreign corporationCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 428 or entity all deemed nonresidents. A nonresident shall file29 with said collector an agreement in writing consenting to30 the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the county in which31 such sale shall be made, and also filing with such collector32 an appointment of some citizen of said county as agent of33 said nonresident, and consenting that service of process on34 such agent shall give such court jurisdiction to try and35 determine any suit growing out of or connected with such36 sale for taxes. After the delinquent auction sale, any37 certificate of purchase shall be issued to the agent. After38 meeting the requirements of section 140.405, the property39 shall be conveyed to the agent on behalf of the nonresident,40 and the agent shall thereafter convey the property to the41 nonresident. A collector may preclude a prospective bidder42 from participating in a sale for failure to comply with any43 of the provisions of this section.44 3. All such written consents to jurisdiction and45 selective appointments shall be preserved by the county46 collector and shall be binding upon any person or47 corporation claiming under the person consenting to48 jurisdiction and making the appointment herein referred to;49 provided further, that in the event of the death, disability50 or refusal to act of the person appointed as agent of said51 nonresident the county clerk shall become the appointee as52 agent of said nonresident.53 4. No person residing in any home rule city with more54 than seventy-one thousand but fewer than seventy-nine55 thousand inhabitants shall be eligible to offer to purchase56 lands under this section unless such person has, no later57 than ten days before the sale date, demonstrated to the58 satisfaction of the official charged by law with conducting59 the sale that the person is not the owner of any parcel ofCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 560 real property that has two or more violations of the61 municipality's building or housing codes. A prospective62 bidder may make such a demonstration by presenting63 statements from the appropriate collection and code64 enforcement officials of the municipality. This subsection65 shall not apply to any taxing authority or land bank agency,66 and entities shall be eligible to bid at any sale conducted67 under this section without making such a demonstration.1140.250. 1. Whenever any lands have been or shall2 hereafter be offered for sale for delinquent taxes,3 interest, penalty, and costs by the collector of the proper4 county for any two successive years and no person shall have5 bid therefor a sum equal to the delinquent taxes thereon,6 interest, penalty and costs provided by law, then such7 county collector shall at the next regular tax sale of lands8 for delinquent taxes sell same to the highest bidder, except9 the highest bid shall not be less than the sum equal to the10 delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and costs, and there11 shall be a ninety-day period of redemption from such sales12 as specified in section 140.405.13 2. A certificate of purchase shall be issued as to14 such sales, and the purchaser at such sales shall be15 entitled to the issuance and delivery of a collector's deed16 upon completion of title search action as specified in17 section 140.405.18 3. If any lands or lots are not sold at such third19 offering, then the collector shall advertise or offer such20 lands or lots for sale once every thirty days.21 4. A purchaser at any sale subsequent to the third22 offering of any land or lots, whether by the collector or a23 trustee as provided in section 140.260, shall be entitled to24 the immediate issuance and delivery of a collector's deedCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 625 and there shall be no period of redemption from such post-26 third year sales; provided, however, before any purchaser at27 a sale to which this section is applicable shall be entitled28 to a collector's deed it shall be the duty of the collector29 to demand, and the purchaser to pay, in addition to the30 purchaser's bid, all taxes due and unpaid on such lands or31 lots that become due and payable on such lands or lots32 subsequent to the date of the taxes included in such33 advertisement and sale. The collector's deed or trustee's34 deed shall have priority over all other liens or35 encumbrances on the property sold except for real property36 taxes.37 5. A purchaser at any sale subsequent to the third38 offering of any land or lots, whether by the collector or a39 trustee as provided in section 140.260, may elect to proceed40 under subsection 1 of this section and subsection 6 of41 section 140.405 by giving notice to the collector prior to42 the issuance of a collector's deed.43 6. In the event the real purchaser at any sale to44 which this section is applicable shall be the owner of the45 lands or lots purchased, or shall be obligated to pay the46 taxes for the nonpayment of which such lands or lots were47 sold, then no collector's deed shall be issued to such48 purchaser, or to anyone acting for or on behalf of such49 purchaser, without payment to the collector of such50 additional amount as will discharge in full all delinquent51 taxes, penalty, interest and costs.1140.420. If no person shall redeem the lands sold for2 taxes prior to the expiration of the right to redeem, at the3 expiration thereof, and on production of the certificate of4 purchase and upon proof satisfactory to the collector that aCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 75 purchaser or the purchaser's heirs, successors, or assigns6 are authorized to acquire the deed:7(1) The collector of the county in which the sale of8 such lands took place shall execute to the purchaser or the9 purchaser's heirs or assigns, in the name of the state, a10 conveyance of the real estate so sold, which shall vest in11 the grantee an absolute estate in fee simple, subject,12 however, to all claims thereon for unpaid taxes except such13 unpaid taxes, existing at time of the purchase of said lands14 and the lien for which taxes was inferior to the lien for15 taxes for which said tract or lot of land was sold; and16 (2) The state of Missouri or any person, taxing17 authority, tax district, judgment creditor, or lienholder18 that had a right, title, interest, claim, or equity of19 redemption on or to the lands or that had a lien upon the20 lands shall be barred and forever foreclosed of such21 unclaimed right, title, interest, claim, or equity of22 redemption in or to the lands and of any lien upon the lands.1140.980. 1. Sections 140.980 to 140.1015 shall be2 known [and may be cited] as the "Chapter 140 Land Bank Act".32. As used in sections 140.980 to 140.1015, the4 following terms mean:5(1) "Land bank agency", an agency established by a6 county or municipality under the authority of section7 140.981;8(2) "Land taxes", taxes on real property or real9 estate, including the taxes both on the land and the10 improvements thereon;11 (3) "Municipality", any incorporated city, town, or12 village in this state;13 (4) "Political subdivision", any county, city, town,14 village, school district, library district, or any otherCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 815 public subdivision or public corporation that has the power16 to tax;17 (5) "Reserve period taxes", land taxes assessed18 against any parcel of real estate sold or otherwise disposed19 of by a land bank agency for the first three tax years20 following such sale or disposition;21 (6) "Tax bill", real estate taxes and the lien22 thereof, whether general or special, levied and assessed by23 any taxing authority;24 (7) "Taxing authority", any governmental, managing,25 administering, or other lawful authority, now or hereafter26 empowered by law to issue tax bills.1140.981. 1. Any county with more than one million2 inhabitants may establish a land bank agency for the3 management, sale, transfer, and other disposition of4 interests in real estate owned by such land bank agency.5 Any such county may establish a land bank agency by6 ordinance, resolution, or rule, as applicable. Such7 ordinance, resolution, or rule shall specify the name of the8 land bank agency. No county in which a land bank agency has9 been established under the provisions of sections 141.980 to10 141.1015 shall elect to establish a land bank agency under11 this section.12 2. Any municipality with more than one thousand five13 hundred inhabitants not located within a county with more14 than one million inhabitants may establish a land bank15 agency for the management, sale, transfer, and other16 disposition of interests in real estate owned by such land17 bank agency. A municipality may establish a land bank18 agency by ordinance, resolution, or rule, as applicable.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 919 3. A land bank agency shall not own any interest in20 real estate located wholly or partially outside the [city]21 municipality or county that established the land bank.22 4. A land bank agency shall be established for the23 purpose of returning land, including land that is in a non-24 revenue-generating, non-tax-producing status, to use in25 private ownership, or for public use.26 5. A land bank agency created under the chapter 14027 land bank act shall be a public body corporate and politic28 and shall have permanent and perpetual duration until29 terminated and dissolved in accordance with the provisions30 of section 140.1012.1140.982. 1. If a county establishes a land bank2 agency under subsection 1 of section 140.981, the members of3 the first board of directors of a land bank agency shall be4 appointed within ninety days after the effective date of the5 ordinance, resolution, or rule passed establishing such land6 bank agency. [If any appointing authority fails to make any7 appointment of a board member within the time the first8 appointments are required, the appointment shall be made by9 the county council. The following requirements shall apply10 to the board of directors:11 (1) The board of directors shall consist of seven12 members:13 (a) Two of whom shall be appointed by the county14 executive, one of whom shall have professional expertise15 relevant to the land bank agency;16 (b) One of whom shall be appointed by the member of17 the county council representing the district with the18 highest number of tax delinquent parcels. Such board member19 shall maintain a primary residence within such district;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1020 (c) One of whom shall be appointed by the member of21 the county council representing the district with the second22 highest number of tax delinquent parcels. Such board member23 shall maintain a primary residence within such district;24 (d) One of whom shall be appointed by consensus of the25 county executive and the president of the municipal league26 of the county; and27 (e) Two of whom shall be resident representatives.28 Resident representatives shall be appointed by a majority29 vote of the other board members, and each resident30 representative shall maintain a primary residence within one31 of the twenty municipalities containing the highest32 percentage of tax delinquent parcels;] The county council33 may, as part of such ordinance, resolution, or rule, provide34 for the qualifications for members of the board of35 directors. The board of directors of the land bank agency36 shall consist of seven members appointed by the county37 executive pursuant to the authority vested in that office by38 the county charter. The following requirements shall apply39 to the board of directors:40 [(2)] (1) The term of office of a member shall be four41 years. Each member's primary residence shall be in the42 county that has established the land bank agency. Each43 member serves at the pleasure of the member's appointing44 authority, may be an employee of the appointing authority,45 and shall serve without compensation;46 [(3)] (2) No public officer shall be eligible to serve47 as a board member. For purposes of this subdivision,48 "public officer" means a person who is holding an elected49 public office. Any public employee shall be eligible to50 serve as a board member;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1151 [(4)] (3) The members of the board shall select52 annually from among themselves a chair, a vice chair, a53 treasurer, and such other officers as the board may54 determine and shall establish the officers' duties, as may55 be regulated by rules adopted by the board;56 [(5)] (4) The board shall establish rules and57 requirements relative to the attendance and participation of58 members in its meetings, regular or special. Such rules and59 regulations may prescribe a procedure whereby, if any member60 fails to comply with such rules and regulations, such member61 may be disqualified and removed automatically from office by62 no less than a majority vote of the remaining members of the63 board, and that member's position shall be vacant as of the64 first day of the next calendar month. Any person removed65 under the provisions of this subdivision shall be ineligible66 for reappointment to the board unless such reappointment is67 confirmed unanimously by the board;68 [(6)] (5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in69 the same manner as the original appointment[. If any70 appointing authority fails to make any appointment of a71 board member within sixty days after any term expires, the72 appointment shall be made by the county council] within73 sixty days and shall be done in compliance with the county74 charter;75 [(7)] (6) Board members shall serve without76 compensation. The board may reimburse any member for77 expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties on78 behalf of the land bank agency;79 [(8)] (7) The board shall have the power to organize80 and reorganize the executive, administrative, clerical, and81 other departments of the land bank agency and to fix theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1282 duties, powers, and compensation of all employees, agents,83 and consultants of the land bank agency;84[(9)] (8) The board shall meet in regular session85 according to a schedule adopted by the board and also shall86 meet in special session as convened by the chair or upon87 written notice signed by a majority of the members. The88 presence of a majority of total membership, excluding89 vacancies, shall constitute a quorum;90[(10)] (9) All actions of the board shall be approved91 by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of that92 board present and voting. However, no action of the board93 shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved94 by a majority of the total board membership:95(a) Adoption, amendment, or repeal of bylaws and other96 rules and regulations for conduct of the land bank agency's97 business;98(b) Hiring or firing of any employee or contractor of99 the land bank agency. This function may, by majority vote,100 be delegated by the board to a specified officer or101 committee of the land bank agency under such terms and102 conditions and to the extent that the board may specify;103 (c) Adoption or amendment of the annual budget; and104 (d) Sale, encumbrance, or alienation of real property,105 improvements, or personal property;106 [(11)] (10) The governing body of the county107 establishing a land bank agency may incur debt, including,108 without limitation, borrowing moneys and issuing bonds,109 notes, or other obligations to provide funding for the land110 bank agency;111 [(12)] (11) Members of a board shall not be liable112 personally on the bonds or other obligations of the landCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 13113 bank agency, and the rights of creditors shall be solely114 against such land bank agency; and115 [(13)] (12) Vote by proxy shall not be permitted. Any116 member may request a recorded vote on any resolution or117 action of the land bank agency.118 2. If a municipality establishes a land bank agency119 under subsection 1 of section 140.981, the ordinance,120 resolution, or rule, as applicable, may specify the121 following:122 (1) The name of the land bank agency;123 (2) The number of members of the board of directors,124 which shall consist of an odd number of members and shall be125 no fewer than five members nor more than eleven members;126 (3) The initial individuals to serve as members of the127 board of directors and the length of terms for which the128 members are to serve; and129 (4) The qualifications, manner of selection or130 appointment, and terms of office of members of the board.131 3. A land bank agency may employ a secretary, an132 executive director, its own counsel and legal staff,133 technical experts, and other agents and employees, permanent134 or temporary, as it may require and may determine the135 qualifications and fix the compensation and benefits of such136 persons. A land bank agency may also enter into contracts137 and agreements with political subdivisions for staffing138 services to be provided to the land bank agency by political139 subdivisions or agencies or departments thereof, or for a140 land bank agency to provide such staffing services to141 political subdivisions or agencies or departments thereof.1140.983. A land bank agency established under the2 chapter 140 land bank act shall have all powers necessary or3 appropriate to carry out and effectuate the purposes andCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 144 provisions of the chapter 140 land bank act, including the5 following powers in addition to those herein otherwise6 granted:7(1) To adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws for the8 regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;9(2) To sue and be sued, in its own name, and plead and10 be impleaded in all civil actions including, but not limited11 to, actions to clear title to property of the land bank12 agency;13 (3) To adopt a seal and to alter the same at pleasure;14 (4) To borrow from the political subdivision15 establishing the land bank agency, as may be necessary for16 the operation and work of the land bank agency;17 (5) To procure insurance or guarantees from political18 subdivisions, the state, the federal government, or any19 other public or private sources of the payment of any bond,20 note, loan, or other obligation, or portion thereof,21 incurred by the land bank agency and to pay any fees or22 premiums in connection therewith;23 (6) To enter into contracts and other instruments24 necessary, incidental, or convenient to the performance of25 its duties and the exercise of its powers including, but not26 limited to, agreements with other land bank agencies and27 with political subdivisions for the joint exercise of powers28 under this chapter;29 (7) To enter into contracts and other instruments30 necessary, incidental, or convenient to:31 (a) The performance of functions by the land bank32 agency on behalf of political subdivisions, or agencies or33 departments thereof; orCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1534 (b) The performance by political subdivisions, or35 agencies or departments thereof, of functions on behalf of36 the land bank agency;37 (8) To make and execute contracts and other38 instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the39 powers of the land bank agency;40 (9) To procure insurance against losses in connection41 with the property, assets, or activities of the land bank42 agency;43 (10) To invest the [moneys] money of the land bank44 agency in the same manner as moneys are invested by the45 state treasurer, including amounts deposited in reserve or46 sinking funds, at the discretion of the land bank agency in47 obligations or property determined proper by the land bank48 agency and to name and use depositories for its moneys;49 (11) To enter into contracts for the management of or50 the sale of the property of the land bank agency;51 (12) To design, develop for public use, construct,52 demolish, reconstruct, rehabilitate, renovate, relocate,53 equip, furnish, and otherwise improve real property or54 rights or interests in real property held by the land bank55 agency;56 (13) To acquire property, whether by purchase,57 exchange, gift, lease, or otherwise, except not property not58 wholly located in the county or municipality that59 established the land bank agency; to grant or acquire60 licenses and easements; and to sell, grant an option with61 respect to, or otherwise dispose of, any property of the62 land bank agency;63 (14) To enter into partnerships, joint ventures, and64 other collaborative relationships with political65 subdivisions and other public and private entities for theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1666 management, development, and disposition of real property,67 except not for property not wholly located in the county or68 municipality that established the land bank agency; and69 (15) Subject to the other provisions of this chapter70 and all other applicable laws, to do all other things71 necessary or convenient to achieve the objectives and72 purposes of the land bank agency or other laws that relate73 to the purposes and responsibility of the land bank agency.1140.984. 1. The income of a land bank agency shall be2 exempt from all taxation by the state and by any of its3 political subdivisions. Upon acquiring title to any real4 estate, a land bank agency shall immediately notify the5 county assessor and the county collector of such ownership;6 all taxes, special taxes, fines, and fees on such real7 estate shall be deemed satisfied by transfer to the land8 bank agency; and such property shall be exempt from all9 taxation during the land bank agency's ownership thereof, in10 the same manner and to the same extent as any other publicly11 owned real estate. Upon the sale or other disposition of12 any real estate held by it, the land bank agency shall13 immediately notify the county assessor and the county14 collector of such change of ownership. However, that such15 tax exemption for improved and occupied real property held16 by the land bank agency as a lessor pursuant to a ground17 lease shall terminate upon the first occupancy[, and]. The18 land bank agency shall immediately notify the county19 assessor and the county collector of such occupancy.20 2. A land bank agency may acquire real property by21 gift, devise, transfer, exchange, foreclosure, purchase, or22 pursuant to sections 141.560 to 141.580 or section 141.819,23 except a land bank agency shall not acquire property locatedCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1724 partially or wholly outside the boundaries of the county or25 municipality that established such land bank agency.26 3. A land bank agency may acquire property by purchase27 contracts, lease purchase agreements, installment sales28 contracts, and land contracts and may accept transfers from29 political subdivisions upon such terms and conditions as30 agreed to by the land bank agency and the political31 subdivision. A land bank agency may bid on any parcel of32 real estate offered for sale, offered at a foreclosure sale33 under sections 140.220 to 140.250, offered at a sale34 conducted under section 140.190, 140.240, or 140.250, or35 offered at a foreclosure sale under section 141.550.36 Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any political37 subdivision may transfer to the land bank agency real38 property and interests in real property of the political39 subdivision on such terms and conditions and according to40 such procedures as determined by the political subdivision.41 4. A land bank agency shall maintain all of its real42 property in accordance with the laws and ordinances of the43 jurisdictions in which the real property is located.44 5. Upon issuance of a deed to a parcel of real estate45 to a land bank agency under subsection 4 of section 140.250,46 subsection 5 of section 140.405, other sale conducted under47 section 140.190, 140.240, or 140.250, or section 141.550,48 the land bank agency shall pay only the amount of the land49 bank agency's bid that exceeds the amount of all tax bills50 included in the judgment, interest, penalties, attorney's51 fees, taxes, and costs then due thereon. If the real estate52 is acquired in a delinquent land tax auction under53 subsection 4 of section 140.250, subsection 5 of section54 140.405, or other sale conducted under section 140.190,55 140.240, or 140.250, such excess shall be applied andCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 1856 distributed in accordance with section 140.230. If the real57 estate is acquired in a delinquent land tax auction under58 section 141.550, such excess shall be applied and59 distributed in accordance with subsections 3 and 4 of60 section 141.580, exclusive of subdivision (3) of subsection61 3 of section 141.580. Upon issuance of a deed, the county62 collector shall mark the tax bills included in the judgment63 as "cancelled by sale to the land bank" and shall take64 credit for the full amount of such tax bills, including65 principal amount, interest, penalties, attorney's fees, and66 costs, on the county collector's books and in the county67 collector's statements with any other taxing authorities.68 6. A land bank shall not own real property unless the69 property is wholly located within the boundaries of the70 county or municipality that established the land bank agency.71 7. Within one year of the effective date of the72 ordinance, resolution, or rule passed establishing a73 municipal land bank agency under subsection 2 of section74 140.981, the title to any real property that is located75 wholly within the municipality that created the land bank76 agency and that is held by a land trust created under77 subsection 1 of section 141.819 shall be transferred by deed78 from the land trust to such land bank agency, at the land79 bank agency's request.1140.985. 1. A land bank agency shall hold in its own2 name all real property acquired by such land bank agency,3 irrespective of the identity of the transferor of such4 property.52. A land bank agency shall maintain and make6 available for public review and inspection an inventory and7 history of all real property the land bank agency holds or8 formerly held. This inventory and history shall beCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 199 available on the land bank agency's website and include at a10 minimum:11 (1) Whether a parcel is available for sale;12 (2) The address of the parcel if an address has been13 assigned;14 (3) The parcel number if no address has been assigned;15 (4) The month and year that a parcel entered the land16 bank agency's inventory;17 (5) Whether a parcel has sold;18 (6) If a parcel has sold, the name of the person or19 entity to which it was sold; and20 (7) Whether the parcel was acquired by the land bank21 agency through judicial foreclosure, nonjudicial22 foreclosure, donation, or some other manner.23 3. The land bank agency shall determine and set forth24 in policies and procedures the general terms and conditions25 for consideration to be received by the land bank agency for26 the transfer of real property and interests in real27 property. Consideration may take the form of monetary28 payments and secured financial obligations, covenants, and29 conditions related to the present and future use of the30 property; contractual commitments of the transferee; and31 such other forms of consideration as the land bank agency32 determines to be in the best interest of the land bank33 agency.34 4. A land bank agency may convey, exchange, sell,35 transfer, grant, release and demise, pledge, and hypothecate36 any and all interests in, upon, or to property of the land37 bank agency. A land bank agency may gift any interest in,38 upon, or to property to the county or municipality that39 established the land bank agency.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2040 5. A county or municipality may, in its resolution,41 ordinance, or rule creating a land bank agency, establish a42 hierarchical ranking of priorities for the use of real43 property conveyed by such land bank agency, including, but44 not limited to:45 (1) Use for purely public spaces and places;46 (2) Use as wildlife conservation areas;47 (3) Use as a green field area; and48 (4) To return to private use.49 If a county or municipality, in its resolution, ordinance,50 or rule creating a land bank agency, establishes priorities51 for the use of real property conveyed by the land bank52 agency, such priorities shall be consistent with and no more53 restrictive than municipal planning and zoning ordinances.54 6. The land bank agency may delegate to officers and55 employees the authority to enter into and execute56 agreements, instruments of conveyance, and all other related57 documents pertaining to the conveyance of property by the58 land bank agency.59 7. Any property sold by a land bank agency that was60 acquired through purchase, transfer, exchange, or gift shall61 be sold.62 8. When any parcel of real estate acquired by a land63 bank agency is sold or otherwise disposed of by such land64 bank agency, the proceeds therefrom shall be applied and65 distributed in the following order:66 (1) To the payment of the expenses of the sale;67 (2) To fulfill the requirements of the resolution,68 indenture, or other financing documents adopted or entered69 into in connection with bonds, notes, or other obligations70 of the land bank agency, to the extent that suchCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2171 requirements may apply with respect to such parcel of real72 estate;73 (3) To the land bank agency to pay the salaries and74 other expenses of such land bank agency and of its employees75 as provided for in its annual budget; and76 (4) Any funds in excess of those necessary to meet the77 expenses of the annual budget of the land bank agency in any78 fiscal year and a reasonable sum to carry over into the next79 fiscal year to assure that sufficient funds will be80 available to meet initial expenses for that next fiscal year81 shall be paid to the respective taxing authorities that, at82 the time of the distribution, are taxing the real property83 from which the proceeds are being distributed. The84 distributions shall be in proportion to the amounts of the85 taxes levied on the properties by the taxing authorities.86 Distribution shall be made on January first and July first87 of each year, and at such other times as the land bank88 agency may determine.1140.986. 1. No later than five years from the date it2 acquired the property, a land bank agency shall either sell,3 put to a productive use, or show significant progress4 towards selling or putting the property to a productive use5 [a parcel of real property]. A productive use may be6 demolishing all structures of the property or using the7 property for a community garden, park, or other open public8 space. No later than eight years from the date it acquired9 the property, a land bank agency shall sell, clear, or put10 such property to public use.11 2. The governing body of the county or municipality12 may grant the land bank agency a one-year extension if the13 body determines by a majority vote that unforeseenCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2214 circumstances have delayed the sale or productive use of a15 parcel of property.16 3. If a land bank agency owns a parcel of real17 property that does not have a productive use after five18 years, or does not receive an extension under subsection 219 of this section, the property shall be offered for public20 sale using the procedures under sections 140.170 to 140.190.1140.987. 1. A land bank agency shall require that any2 buyer demonstrate that the buyer is not the owner of any3 parcel of real estate within the county or municipality that4 created the land bank agency for which a tax bill has been5 delinquent for more than one year or is in violation of any6 municipal building or housing code[, and is not the original7 owner or relative of such owner within the second degree of8 consanguinity of the parcel sold, transferred, exchanged, or9 gifted to the land bank agency].10 2. No foreign or domestic corporation or limited11 liability company that has failed to appoint or maintain a12 registered agent under chapter 347 or 351 shall be eligible13 to buy property from the land bank agency. No foreign14 corporate entity shall be eligible to buy property from the15 land bank agency unless it has a certificate of authority to16 transact business in Missouri under section 351.572.17 3. As a condition of the sale or other authorized18 conveyance of ownership of any parcel of land owned by the19 land bank agency to a private owner, such owner may be20 required to enter into a contract, which may be secured by a21 deed of trust in favor of the land bank agency, stipulating22 that such owner or the owner's successor agrees that such23 owner or the owner's successor make certain improvements to24 the parcel. If the land bank agency finds by resolution25 that the terms of the contract have not been satisfied, theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2326 land bank agency shall be authorized to bring suit to27 recover damages for the breach and to seek a judicial28 foreclosure of the parcel under sections 443.190 to 443.260,29 except that upon final judgment of the court, title shall30 revert to the land bank agency without necessity of sale.31 As an alternative to, or in addition to, seeking a judicial32 foreclosure, the land bank agency may, only by gift, assign33 or convey its right to foreclose under sections 443.190 to34 443.260 to any 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization35 or exercise the right of reentry under chapter 524, 527, or36 534. The land bank agency or its assignee shall assume37 title to the land by filing a copy of the judgment with the38 recorder of deeds in the county where the property is39 located. Any property redeemed by the land bank agency40 under the provisions of this section shall be administered41 in the same manner as other property sold to the land bank42 agency.1140.988. 1. (1) A land bank agency may receive2 funding through grants and gifts from political3 subdivisions, the state, the federal government, and other4 public and private sources.5(2) A land bank agency may receive funding through6 gifts from any source, provided that the land bank agency7 shall not sell or otherwise transfer by any means any real8 property held by the land bank agency to the entity from9 which the land bank agency received a gift [pursuant to this10 subdivision].112. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7 of12 section 140.985, a land bank agency may receive and retain13 payments for services rendered, for consideration for14 disposition of real and personal property, for proceeds of15 insurance coverage for losses incurred, for income fromCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2416 investments, and for any other asset and activity lawfully17 permitted to a land bank agency under the chapter 140 land18 bank act.19 3. If a land bank agency sells or otherwise disposes20 of a parcel of real estate held by it, any land taxes21 assessed against such parcel for the three tax years22 following such sale or disposition by such land bank agency23 that are collected by the county collector in a calendar24 year and not refunded, less the fees provided under section25 52.260 and subsection 4 of this section and less the amounts26 to be deducted under section 137.720, shall be distributed27 by the county collector to such land bank agency no later28 than March first of the following calendar year, provided29 that land taxes impounded under section 139.031 or otherwise30 paid under protest shall not be subject to distribution31 under this subsection. Any amount required to be32 distributed to a land bank agency under this subsection33 shall be subject to offset for amounts previously34 distributed to such land bank agency that were assessed,35 collected, or distributed in error.36 4. In addition to any other provisions of law related37 to collection fees, the county collector shall collect on38 behalf of the county a fee of four percent of reserve period39 taxes collected and such fees collected shall be deposited40 in the county general fund.41 5. If a county has established a land bank agency42 under subsection 1 of section 140.981, the collector may43 collect on behalf of the county a fee for the collection of44 delinquent and back taxes of up to five percent on all sums45 collected to be added to the face of the tax bill and46 collected from the party paying the tax. All fees collected47 under the provisions of this subsection shall be paid to theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2548 land bank agency established under subsection 1 of section49 140.981.1140.991. 1. There shall be an annual audit of the2 affairs, accounts, expenses, and financial transactions of a3 land bank agency by a certified public accountant before4 April thirtieth of each year, which accountant shall be5 employed by the land bank agency on or before March first of6 each year. Certified copies of the audit shall be furnished7 to the county or municipality that established the land bank8 agency, and the county or municipality shall post the audit9 on its [public] website. Copies of the audit shall also be10 available for public inspection at the office of the land11 bank agency.12 2. The land bank agency may be performance audited at13 any time by the state auditor or by the auditor of the14 county or municipality that established the land bank15 agency. The land bank agency shall make copies of such16 audit available to the public and shall post a copy of the17 audit on the land bank agency's website within thirty days18 of the completion of the audit.1140.994. 1. A land bank agency shall have power to2 receive funds from bonds issued by the county or3 municipality that created the land bank agency, for any of4 its [corporate] purposes. The bonds shall be special,5 limited obligations of the county or municipality that6 created the land bank agency, the principal of and interest7 on which shall be payable solely from the income and revenue8 derived from the sale, or other disposition of the assets of9 the land bank agency, or such portion thereof as may be10 designated in the resolution, indenture, or other financing11 documents relating to the issuance of the bonds.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2612 2. Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall not be13 deemed to be an indebtedness within the meaning of any14 constitutional or statutory limitation upon the incurring of15 indebtedness. The bonds shall not constitute a debt,16 liability, or obligation of the state or a pledge of the17 full faith and credit or the taxing power of the state and18 the bonds shall contain a recital to that effect. Neither19 the members of the board nor any person executing the bonds20 shall be liable personally on the bonds by reason of the21 issuance thereof.22 3. Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be23 authorized by resolution of the governing body of the county24 or municipality establishing the land bank agency, shall be25 issued in such form, shall be in such denominations, shall26 bear interest at such rate or rates, shall mature on such27 dates and in such manner, shall be subject to redemption at28 such times and on such terms, and shall be executed by one29 or more members of the governing body of the county or30 municipality establishing the land bank agency, as provided31 in the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof or as set32 out in the indenture or other financing document authorized33 and approved by such resolution. The governing body of the34 county or municipality establishing the land bank agency may35 sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or at36 private sale, and for such price as the governing body of37 the county or municipality establishing the land bank agency38 may determine to be in the best interests of the land bank39 agency.40 4. A governing body of the county or municipality41 establishing the land bank agency may from time to time, as42 authorized by resolution of the governing body, issue43 refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding, extending, andCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2744 unifying all or any part of its valid outstanding bonds.45 Such refunding bonds may be payable from any of the sources46 identified in subsection 1 of this section and from the47 investment of any of the proceeds of the refunding bonds.48 5. The bonds issued by the governing body of the49 county or municipality establishing the land bank agency50 shall be negotiable instruments under chapter 400.51 6. Bonds issued under this section and all income or52 interest thereon shall be exempt from all state taxes.53 7. The governing body of the county or municipality54 establishing the land bank agency shall have the power to55 issue temporary notes upon the same terms and subject to all56 provisions and restrictions applicable to bonds under this57 section. Such notes issued by the governing body may be58 refunded by notes or bonds authorized under this section.1140.995. Notwithstanding any provision of sections2 140.980 to 140.995 to the contrary, a land bank agency may3 rent or lease property held by the land bank agency for any4 community, noncommercial, or agricultural uses.1140.1000. 1. No board member or employee of a land2 bank agency shall receive any compensation, emolument, or3 other profit directly or indirectly from the rental,4 management, acquisition, sale, demolition, repair,5 rehabilitation, use, operation, ownership, or disposition of6 any [lands] property held by such land bank agency other7 than the salaries, expenses, and emoluments provided for in8 the chapter 140 land bank act.92. No member of the board or employee of a land bank10 agency shall own, directly or indirectly, any legal or11 equitable interest in or to any lands held by such land bank12 agency other than the salaries, expenses, and emoluments13 provided for in sections 140.980 to 140.1015.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2814 3. A violation of this section is a class D felony.15 4. The land bank agency may adopt supplemental rules16 and regulations addressing potential conflicts of interest17 and ethical guidelines for board members and land bank18 agency employees, provided that such rules and regulations19 are not inconsistent with this chapter or any other20 applicable law.21 5. Any person who is related to a board member or22 employee of a land bank agency within the second degree of23 consanguinity or affinity shall be considered a board member24 or employee of a land bank agency for purposes of this25 section and subject to its provisions.1140.1009. 1. A land bank agency shall be authorized2 to file an action to quiet title under section 527.150 [as3 to] for any real property in which the land bank agency has4 an interest. For purposes of any and all such actions, the5 land bank agency shall be deemed to be the holder of6 sufficient legal and equitable interests, and possessory7 rights, so as to qualify the land bank agency as an adequate8 petitioner in such action.92. Prior to the filing of an action to quiet title,10 the land bank agency shall conduct an examination of title11 to determine the identity of any and all persons and12 entities possessing a claim or interest in or to the real13 property. Service of the petition to quiet title shall be14 provided to all such interested parties by the following15 methods:16 (1) Registered or certified mail to such identity and17 address as reasonably ascertainable by an inspection of18 public records;19 (2) In the case of occupied real property, by first20 class mail addressed to "Occupant";CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 2921 (3) By posting a copy of the notice on the real22 property;23 (4) By publication in a newspaper of general24 circulation in the county or municipality in which the25 property is located; and26 (5) Such other methods as the court may order or as27 may be required by prevailing motions of due process.28 3. As part of the petition to quiet title, the land29 bank agency shall file an affidavit identifying all parties30 potentially having an interest in the real property and the31 form of notice provided.32 4. The court shall schedule a hearing on the petition33 within ninety days following filing of the petition and, as34 to all matters upon which an answer was not filed by an35 interested party, the court shall issue its final judgment36 within one hundred twenty days of the filing of the petition.37 5. A land bank agency shall be authorized to join in a38 single petition to quiet title one or more parcels of real39 property.1140.1012. 1. A land bank agency shall be dissolved as2 a public body corporate and politic no sooner than sixty3 calendar days, but no later than one hundred eighty calendar4 days, after an ordinance or resolution for such dissolution5 is passed by the county or municipality that established the6 land bank agency.72. [No less than sixty calendar days' advance written8 notice of consideration of] If such an ordinance or9 resolution of dissolution is being considered, no less than10 sixty calendar days advance written notice shall be given to11 the land bank agency, shall be published in a local12 newspaper of general circulation within such county orCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3013 municipality, and shall be sent certified mail to each14 trustee of any outstanding bonds of the land bank agency.15 3. No land bank agency shall be dissolved while there16 remains any outstanding bonds, notes, or other obligations17 of the land bank agency unless such bonds, notes, or other18 obligations are paid or defeased pursuant to the resolution,19 indenture, or other financing document under which such20 bonds, notes, or other obligations were issued prior to or21 simultaneously with such dissolution. Once all outstanding22 bonds, notes, or other obligations are satisfied, no new23 property shall be purchased by, gifted to, traded to, or24 exchanged with the land bank agency. No further debts or25 other obligations shall be incurred other than that which is26 necessary to sell or put to public use any remaining27 property held by the land bank agency. The land bank agency28 shall be dissolved within thirty days after all outstanding29 bonds, notes, or other obligations are satisfied.30 4. Upon dissolution of a land bank agency pursuant to31 this section, all real property, personal property, and32 other assets of the land bank agency shall be transferred by33 appropriate written instrument to and shall become the34 assets of the county or municipality that established the35 land bank agency. Such county or municipality shall act36 expeditiously to return such real property to the tax rolls37 and shall market and sell such real property using an open,38 public method that ensures the best possible prices are39 realized while ensuring such real property is returned to a40 suitable, productive use for the betterment of the41 neighborhood in which such real property is located. Upon42 the sale or other disposition of any such property by such43 county or municipality, the proceeds therefrom shall be44 applied and distributed in the following order:CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3145 (1) To the payment of the expenses of sale;46 (2) To the reasonable costs incurred by such county or47 municipality in maintaining and marketing such property; and48 (3) The balance shall be paid to the respective taxing49 authorities that, at the time of the distribution, are50 taxing the real property from which the proceeds are being51 distributed.1141.220. The following words, terms and definitions,2 when used in sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections3 141.980 to 141.1015, shall have the meanings ascribed to4 them in this section, except where the text clearly5 indicates a different meaning:6(1) "Ancillary parcel" shall mean a parcel of real7 estate acquired by a land bank agency other than:8(a) Pursuant to a deemed sale under subsection 3 of9 section 141.560;10 (b) By deed from a land trust under subsection 1 of11 section 141.984; or12 (c) Pursuant to a sale under subdivision (2) of13 subsection 2 of section 141.550;14 (2) "Appraiser" shall mean a state licensed or15 certified appraiser licensed or certified pursuant to16 chapter 339 who is not an employee of the collector or17 collection authority;18 (3) "Board" or "board of commissioners" shall mean the19 board of commissioners of a land bank agency;20 (4) "Collector" shall mean the collector of the21 revenue in any county affected by sections 141.210 to22 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015;23 (5) "County" shall mean any county in this state;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3224 (6) "Court" shall mean the circuit court of any county25 affected by sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.98026 to 141.1015;27 (7) "Delinquent land tax attorney" shall mean a28 licensed attorney-at-law, employed or designated by the29 collector as hereinafter provided;30 (8) "Interested party", shall mean any person with a31 legal interest in a parcel of land affected by sections32 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015.33 Interested party shall not include:34 (a) The holder of the benefit or burden of any35 easement or right of way;36 (b) The holder of a benefit or burden of a real37 covenant; or38 (c) A leasehold owner of subsurface mineral, gas, or39 oil rights whose interest is properly recorded and whose40 interest shall remain unaffected;41 (9) "Land bank agency", shall mean [an] any agency42 created under section 141.980;43 (10) "Land taxes" shall mean taxes on real property or44 real estate and shall include the taxes both on land and the45 improvements thereon;46 (11) "Land trustees" and "land trust" shall mean the47 land trustees and land trust as the same are created by and48 described in section 141.700;49 (12) "Municipality" shall include any incorporated50 city or town, or a part thereof, located in whole or in part51 within a county;52 (13) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm,53 copartnership, joint adventure, association, corporation,54 estate, trust, business trust, receiver or trustee appointed55 by any state or federal court, trustee otherwise created,CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3356 syndicate, or any other group or combination acting as a57 unit, and the plural as well as the singular number;58 (14) "Political subdivision" shall mean any county,59 city, town, village, school district, library district, or60 any other public subdivision or public corporation having61 the power to tax;62 (15) "Reserve period taxes" shall mean land taxes63 assessed against any parcel of real estate sold or otherwise64 disposed of by a land bank agency for the first three tax65 years following such sale or disposition;66 (16) "School district", "road district", "water67 district", "sewer district", "levee district", "drainage68 district", "special benefit district", "special assessment69 district", or "park district" shall include those located70 within a county as such county is described in this section;71 (17) "Sheriff" and "circuit clerk" shall mean the72 sheriff and circuit clerk, respectively, of any county73 affected by sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.98074 to 141.1015;75 (18) "Tax bill" as used in sections 141.210 to 141.81076 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015 shall represent real estate77 taxes and the lien thereof, whether general or special,78 levied and assessed by any taxing authority;79 (19) "Tax district" shall mean the state of Missouri80 and any county, municipality, school district, road81 district, water district, sewer district, levee district,82 drainage district, special benefit district, special83 assessment district, or park district, located in any84 municipality or county as herein described;85 (20) "Tax lien" shall mean the lien of any tax bill as86 defined in this section;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3487 (21) "Taxing authority" shall include any88 governmental, managing, administering or other lawful89 authority, now or hereafter empowered by law to issue tax90 bills, the state of Missouri or any county, municipality,91 school district, road district, water district, sewer92 district, levee district, drainage district, special benefit93 district, special assessment district, or park district,94 affected by sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.98095 to 141.1015.1141.230. 1. The land tax collection law shall apply2 to all counties that have elected to operate under the3 provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810 by adoption of a4 resolution or order of the county commission of such county.52. Alternatively, any county may, by adoption of a6 resolution or order of the county commission of such county,7 elect to operate under the provisions of sections 141.210 to8 141.810 as a partial opt-in county. After adoption of any9 such resolution or order, the collector for such county may10 elect to operate under the provisions of sections 141.210 to11 141.810 for any parcel [or parcels for which there is an12 unpaid tax bill for a period of at least two years after the13 date on which it became delinquent].14 3. No county eligible to establish a land bank agency15 under subsection 1 of section 140.981 shall elect to operate16 as a partial opt-in county unless having first elected to17 establish a land bank agency as provided in subsection 1 of18 section 140.981.19 4. Any county commission so adopting such resolution20 or order shall file a certified copy thereof within ten days21 after the adoption of said resolution or order with the22 clerk of the county commission and with the collector of23 revenue for such county, and with the mayor and cityCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3524 collector or chief financial officer of each municipality in25 such county, as defined by section 141.220.26 5. After the adoption of such resolution or order by27 such county commission, each municipality shall cooperate28 with such county under the provisions of sections 141.210 to29 141.810. Any such county which shall, in the manner30 provided herein, have elected to come within the provisions31 of sections 141.210 to 141.810, in whole or in part, by32 adoption of such resolution, order or ordinance, may, after33 a period of one year from the effective date of such34 resolution, order or ordinance, adopt by similar means a35 resolution, order or ordinance, rescinding the election to36 adopt the provisions of the land tax collection law and37 certified copies of such resolution, order or ordinance38 shall be filed in the same manner as said original39 resolution, order or ordinance; provided, that such40 resolution, order or ordinance rescinding or nullifying the41 election to adopt the provisions of sections 141.210 to42 141.810 shall not become effective for one year thereafter43 nor shall it invalidate or in any way affect any proceedings44 in rem for foreclosure which may have been instituted under45 the provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810, but all such46 actions and proceedings so instituted while the provisions47 of said sections were in full force and effect shall be48 prosecuted to their conclusion and completion; provided49 further, that any county which may have operated under50 sections 141.210 to 141.810 prior to the enactment of this51 section may hereafter elect to terminate any further52 operation under sections 141.210 to 141.810 by proceeding in53 manner and form and to the same effect as though it had54 originally elected to operate under the provisions of55 sections 141.210 to 141.810.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3656 6. Any municipality located partly within a county57 electing to operate in whole or in part under the provisions58 of sections 141.210 to 141.810 shall cooperate with such59 county under the provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810;60 provided, however, that tax bills imposed against real61 estate located in that part of such municipality outside of62 the limits of any such county shall be collected under other63 provisions as may be provided by law.1141.250. 1. The respective liens of the tax bills for2 general taxes of the state of Missouri, the county, any3 municipality, and any school district, for the same tax4 year, shall be equal and first liens upon the real estate5 described in the respective tax bills thereof; provided,6 however, that the liens of such tax bills for the latest7 year for which tax bills are unpaid shall take priority over8 the liens of tax bills levied and assessed for less recent9 years, and the lien of such tax bills shall rate in priority10 in the order of the years for which the tax bills are11 delinquent, the lien of the tax bill longest delinquent12 being junior in priority to the lien of the tax bill for the13 next most recent tax year.14 2. All tax bills for other than general taxes shall15 constitute liens junior to the liens for general taxes upon16 the real estate described therein; provided, however, that a17 tax bill for other than general taxes, of the more recent18 issue shall likewise be senior to any such tax bill of less19 recent date.20 3. The proceeds derived from the sale of any lands21 encumbered with a tax lien or liens shall be distributed to22 the owners of such liens in the order of the seniority of23 the liens. Those holding liens of equal rank shall share in24 direct proportion to the amounts of their respective liens.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 371141.270. 1. On or before the fifth day of January in2 each year, all taxing authorities and any other tax bill3 owner shall file a list with the collector [a list] on a4 form approved by the collector of all parcels of real estate5 affected by tax liens held and owned by such taxing6 authority or person which have been delinquent for two years7 or more. Such list shall also include all delinquent tax8 bills for any and all years.92. The taxing authority or person filing such list10 shall pay to the collector a filing fee of one dollar and11 fifty cents for each parcel of real estate described12 therein, which fee shall be charged against each parcel and13 collected and accounted for by the collector as other costs.14 3. No school district nor any other taxing authority15 whose taxes are required by law to be collected by the16 collector shall file any list nor pay the filing fee herein17 provided.18 4. If the taxes of any taxing authority are two or19 more years delinquent, the other taxing authorities and20 other tax bill owners shall include in the said list all tax21 liens against the said parcel, even though the taxes are not22 two years delinquent.1141.290. 1. The collector shall compile lists of all2 state, county, school, and other tax bills collectible by3 the collector that are delinquent according to the4 collector's records, and the collector shall combine such5 lists with the list filed by any taxing authority or tax6 bill owner.72. For partial opt-in counties, the collector shall8 decide which tax delinquent parcels shall proceed according9 to the provisions contained [herein] in this chapter. TheCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3810 remaining parcels shall proceed under such other provisions11 as may be provided by law.12 3. The collector shall assign a serial number to each13 parcel of real estate in each list and if suit has been14 filed in the circuit court of the county on any delinquent15 tax bill included in any list, the collector shall give the16 court docket number of such suit and some appropriate17 designation of the place where such suit is pending, and18 such pending suit so listed in any petition filed pursuant19 to the provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810 and20 sections 141.980 to 141.1015 shall, without further21 procedure or court order, be deemed to be consolidated with22 the suit brought under sections 141.210 to 141.810 and23 sections 141.980 to 141.1015, and such pending suit shall24 thereupon be abated.25 4. The collector shall deliver such combined lists to26 the delinquent land tax attorney from time to time but not27 later than April first of each year.28 5. The delinquent land tax attorney shall incorporate29 such lists in petitions in the form prescribed in section30 141.410, and shall file such petitions with the circuit31 clerk not later than June first of each year.1141.300. 1. The collector shall receipt for the2 aggregate amount of such delinquent tax bills appearing on3 the list or lists filed with the collector under the4 provisions of section 141.290, which receipt shall be held5 by the owner or holder of the tax bills or by the treasurer6 or other corresponding financial officer of the taxing7 authority [so] filing such list with the collector.82. The collector shall, on or before the fifth day of9 each month, file with the owner or holder of any tax bill or10 with the treasurer or other corresponding financial officerCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 3911 of any taxing authority, a detailed statement, verified by12 affidavit, of all taxes collected by the collector during13 the preceding month which appear on the list or lists14 received by the collector, and shall, on or before the15 fifteenth day of the month, pay the same, less the16 collector's commissions and costs payable to the county, to17 the tax bill owner or holder or to the treasurer or other18 corresponding financial officer of any taxing authority;19 provided, however, that the collector shall be given credit20 for the full amount of any tax bill where title to the real21 estate described in such tax bill is taken by a land trust,22 or which is bid on by a land bank agency and where title to23 the real estate described in such tax bill is taken by such24 land bank agency pursuant to a deemed sale under subsection25 3 of section 141.560, or which is included in the bid of a26 land bank agency and where title to the real estate27 described in such tax bill is taken by such land bank agency28 pursuant to a sale under subdivision (2) of subsection 2 of29 section 141.550.1141.320. 1. The collector shall, at the collector's2 option, appoint a delinquent land tax attorney, to be3 compensated as necessary for the performance of the4 collector's duties under this chapter, or in counties having5 a county counselor, the collector shall, at the collector's6 option, designate the county counselor and such of the7 counselor's assistants as shall appear necessary to act as8 the delinquent land tax attorney.92. A delinquent land tax attorney who is not the10 county counselor, with the approval of the collector, may11 appoint one or more assistant delinquent land tax attorneys12 and such clerical employees as may be necessary, to be13 compensated as necessary for the performance of duties underCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4014 this chapter; and the appointed delinquent tax attorney may15 incur such reasonable expenses as are necessary for the16 performance of the attorney's duties.17 3. The delinquent land tax attorney and the attorney's18 assistants shall perform legal services for the collector19 and shall act as attorney for the collector in the20 prosecution of all suits brought for the collection of land21 taxes; but the attorney and the collector shall not perform22 legal services for the land trust or any land bank agency.23 4. Salaries and expenses of a delinquent land tax24 attorney who is not also the county counselor, the25 attorney's assistants, and the attorney's employees shall be26 paid monthly out of the treasury of the county from the same27 funds as employees of the collector whenever the funds28 provided for by sections 141.150, 141.270, and 141.620 are29 not sufficient for such purpose.30 5. The compensation herein provided shall be the total31 compensation for a delinquent land tax attorney who is not32 also a county counselor, and the attorney's assistants and33 employees.34 6. A delinquent land tax attorney who is not also the35 county counselor shall make a return quarterly to the county36 commission of such county of all compensation received by37 the attorney, and of all amounts owing to the attorney by38 the collector, and of all salaries and expenses of any39 assistants and employees, stating the same in detail, and40 verifying such amounts by affidavit.41 7. The attorney's fees shall be taxed as costs in the42 suit and collected as other costs.1141.330. The collector [annually] may appoint one2 delinquent land tax clerk in each office lawfully maintained3 by the collector in the county, to be compensated asCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 414 necessary for the performance of the clerk's duties under5 this chapter.1 141.360. All suits for the foreclosure of tax liens2 brought by the collector shall name the collector only by3 the title of the collector's office, and all such suits4 shall be brought directly against the real estate subject to5 the tax lien or liens to be foreclosed.1 141.410. 1. A suit for the foreclosure of the tax2 liens herein provided for shall be instituted by filing in3 the appropriate office of the circuit clerk a petition[,4 which]. Such petition shall contain a caption, a copy of5 the list so furnished to the delinquent land tax attorney by6 the collector, and a prayer. The petition shall name each7 person with a legal interest in the parcel of land affected8 by the suit, as reasonably discoverable to the collector9 from publicly available records. Such petition without10 further allegation shall be deemed to be sufficient.11 2. The caption shall be in the following form:12 In the Circuit Court of ______ County, Missouri,13 In the Matter of14 Foreclosure of Liens for Delinquent Land Taxes15By Action in Rem.16 Collector of Revenue of ______ County, Missouri,17Plaintiff18-vs.-19 Parcels of Land Encumbered with Delinquent Tax20 Liens21DefendantsCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4222 3. The petition shall contain at least the following23 information:24 (1) The identity of the petitioner and the name and25 address of the collector;26 (2) The parcel's common street address;27 (3) A full legal description for the parcel;28 (4) The tax identification number of the parcel;29 (5) The period of tax delinquency; and30 (6) The principal amount of delinquent taxes, together31 with interest, penalties, and fees.32 4. The petition shall conclude with a prayer that all33 tax liens upon such real estate be foreclosed; that the34 court determine the amounts and priorities of all tax bills,35 together with interest, penalties, costs, and attorney's36 fees; that the court order such real estate to be sold by37 the sheriff at public sale as provided by sections 141.21038 to 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015 and that39 thereafter a report of such sale be made by the sheriff to40 the court for further proceedings under sections 141.210 to41 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015.42 5. The delinquent land tax attorney within ten days43 after the filing of any such petition shall forward by44 United States registered mail to each person or taxing45 authority having filed a list of delinquent tax bills with46 the collector as provided by sections 141.210 to 141.810 and47 sections 141.980 to 141.1015 a notice of the time and place48 of the filing of such petition and of the newspaper in which49 the notice of publication has been or will be published.50 6. The petition when so filed shall have the same51 force and effect with respect to each parcel of real estate52 therein described, as a separate suit instituted toCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4353 foreclose the tax lien or liens against any one of said54 parcels of real estate.1141.440. 1. Within thirty days after the filing of2 such petition, the collector shall [also] cause to be3 prepared and sent by restricted, registered or certified4 mail with postage prepaid, [within thirty days after the5 filing of such petition,] a notice of the petition, to the6 persons named in the petition as being the last known7 persons in whose names tax bills affecting the respective8 parcels of real estate described in said petition were last9 billed or charged on the books of the collector, or the last10 known owner of record, if different, and to the addresses of11 said persons upon said records of the collector. The terms12 "restricted", "registered" or "certified mail" as used in13 this section mean mail which carries on the face thereof in14 a conspicuous place, where it will not be obliterated, the15 endorsement "DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE ONLY", and which also16 requires a return receipt or a statement by the postal17 authorities that the addressee refused to receive and18 receipt for such mail. If the notice is returned to the19 collector by the postal authorities as undeliverable for20 reasons other than the refusal by the addressee to receive21 and receipt for the notice as shown by the return receipt,22 then the collector shall make a search of the records23 maintained by the county, including those kept by the24 recorder of deeds, to discern the name and address of any25 person who, from such records, appears as a successor to the26 person to whom the original notice was addressed, and to27 cause another notice to be mailed to such person. The28 collector shall prepare and file with the circuit clerk at29 least thirty days before judgment is entered by the court on30 the petition an affidavit reciting to the court any name,CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4431 address and serial number of the tract of real estate32 affected by any such notices of suit that are undeliverable33 because of an addressee's refusal to receive and receipt for34 the same, or of any notice otherwise nondeliverable by mail,35 or in the event that any name or address does not appear on36 the records of the collector, then of that fact. The37 affidavit in addition to the recitals set forth above shall38 also state reason for the nondelivery of such notice.39 2. The collector shall prepare and send, by first-40 class mail, a copy of the petition within thirty days after41 the filing of such a petition to the occupant of such parcel42 or property.1141.500. 1. After the trial of the issues, the court2 shall, as promptly as circumstances permit, render3 judgment. If the court finds that no tax bill upon the land4 collectible by the collector or the relator was delinquent5 when the suit was instituted or tried, then the judgment of6 the court shall be that the cause be dismissed as to the7 parcels of real estate described in the tax bill[; or,]. If8 the evidence warrant, the judgment may be for the principal9 amount of the delinquent tax bills upon the real estate upon10 which suit was brought, together with interest, penalties,11 attorney's and appraiser's fees and costs computed as of the12 date of the judgment. The judgment may recite the amount of13 each tax bill, the date when it began to bear interest, and14 the rate of such interest, together with the rate and amount15 of penalties, attorney's and appraiser's fees not to exceed16 fifteen dollars. It may decree that the lien upon the17 parcels of real estate described in the tax bill be18 foreclosed and such real estate sold by the sheriff, and the19 cause shall be continued for further proceedings, as herein20 provided.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4521 2. The collector shall cause to be prepared and sent22 by restricted, registered or certified mail with postage23 prepaid, within thirty days after the rendering of such24 judgment, a brief notice of such judgment and the25 availability of a written redemption contract pursuant to26 section 141.530 to the persons named in the judgment as27 being the last known persons in whose names tax bills28 affecting the respective parcels of real estate described in29 such judgment were last billed or charged on the books of30 the collector, or the last known owner of record, if31 different, and to the addresses of such persons upon the32 records of the collector. The terms "restricted",33 "registered" or "certified mail" as used in this section34 mean mail which carries on the face thereof in a conspicuous35 place, where it will not be obliterated, the endorsement,36 "DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE ONLY", and which also requires a37 return receipt or a statement by the postal authorities that38 the addressee refused to receive and receipt for such mail.39 If the notice is returned to the collector by the postal40 authorities as undeliverable for reasons other than the41 refusal by the addressee to receive and receipt for the42 notice as shown by the return receipt, then the collector43 shall make a search of the records maintained by the county,44 including those kept by the recorder of deeds, to discern45 the name and address of any person who, from such records,46 appears as a successor to the person to whom the original47 notice was addressed, and to cause another notice to be48 mailed to such person. The collector shall prepare and file49 with the circuit clerk prior to confirmation hearings an50 affidavit reciting to the court any name, address and serial51 number of the tract of real estate affected of any such52 notices of judgment that are undeliverable because of anCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4653 addressee's refusal to receive and receipt for the same, or54 of any notice otherwise nondeliverable by mail, or in the55 event that any name or address does not appear on the56 records of the collector, then of that fact. The affidavit57 in addition to the recitals set forth above shall also state58 reason for the nondelivery of such notice.59 3. The collector shall prepare and send to the60 occupant of such parcel or property, by first-class mail, a61 copy of the judgment of foreclosure within thirty days after62 the date of such judgment.1141.520. 1. After the judgment of foreclosure has2 been entered, or, after a motion for a new trial has been3 overruled, or, if an appeal be taken from such judgment and4 the judgment has been affirmed, after the sheriff shall have5 been notified by any party to the suit that such judgment6 has been affirmed on appeal and that the mandate of the7 appellate court is on file with the circuit clerk, there8 shall be a waiting period of six months before any9 advertisement of sheriff's sale shall be published.10 2. If any such parcel of real estate [be] is not11 redeemed, or if no written contract providing for redemption12 [be] is made within six months after the date of the13 judgment of foreclosure, if no motion for rehearing [be] is14 filed, and, if filed, within six months after such motion15 may have been overruled, or, if an appeal [be] is taken from16 such judgment and the judgment [be] is affirmed, within six17 months after the sheriff shall have been notified by any18 party to the suit that such judgment has been affirmed on19 appeal and that the mandate of the appellate court is on20 file with the circuit clerk, the sheriff shall commence to21 advertise the real estate described in the judgment and22 shall fix the date of sale within thirty days after the dateCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4723 of the first publication of the notice of sheriff's sale as24 herein provided, and shall at such sale proceed to sell the25 real estate.26 3. Any provisions of this chapter to the contrary27 notwithstanding, the owner of any parcel of real property28 against which a judgment has been rendered shall not have29 the right to redeem such property from said judgment if at30 the time of judgment such property is assessed as31 residential property and the judgment finds the property has32 been vacant for a period of not less than six months prior33 to the judgment. After a judgment as provided for in this34 section becomes final, the waiting period shall not apply to35 such judgment and a sale under execution of the judgment36 shall be immediately held as provided under the applicable37 provisions of this chapter.38 4. In partial opt-in counties, no later than one39 hundred twenty days prior to the sheriff's sale, the40 collector shall obtain from a licensed title company or41 attorney a title search that includes all conveyances,42 liens, and charges against the real estate involved in the43 suit for any parcel of real estate against which the44 collector has obtained a judgment under section 141.500 and45 for which it has been decreed that the lien upon the parcel46 of real estate described in the tax bill be foreclosed and47 such real estate sold by the sheriff. The charge of such48 title search may be recovered from the proceeds of the sale49 under section 141.580.50 5. After obtaining or conducting a title search, the51 collector shall initiate a search of the following records52 to identify and locate interested parties and addresses53 reasonably calculated to apprise interested parties of the54 suit:CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4855 (1) Land title records in the office of the county56 recorder of deeds;57 (2) Tax records in the office of the local treasurer;58 (3) Tax records in the office of the local assessor;59 (4) A search of court records in Missouri CaseNet; and60 (5) For a business entity, records filed with the61 secretary of state.62 The collector may also incur reasonable costs for web-based63 investigatory searches to supplement the search for64 interested parties and addresses. The reasonable cost of65 locating interested parties and addresses for notice may be66 recovered from the proceeds of the sale under section67 141.580.68 6. No later than thirty days prior to the sheriff's69 sale, the collector shall send notice of the sale to all70 interested parties at the address most likely to apprise71 interested parties of the sale. The notice shall provide72 the date, time, and place of the sale and shall also state73 that the parcel may be redeemed prior to the sale as74 specified in sections 141.420 and 141.530. The notice75 required by this subsection shall be mailed first class,76 postage prepaid. The cost of notice under this subsection77 may be recovered from the proceeds of the sale under section78 141.580.79 7. No later than twenty days prior to the sheriff's80 sale, the sheriff shall enter upon the parcel subject to81 foreclosure of these tax liens and post a written82 informational notice in a conspicuous location, attached to83 a structure, and intended to be visible by the nearest84 public right-of-way. This notice shall describe the parcel85 and advise that it is the subject of delinquent land taxCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 4986 collection proceedings brought under sections 141.210 to87 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.1015 and that it may be88 sold for the payment of delinquent taxes at a sale to be89 held at a certain time, date, and place and shall also90 contain the tax identification number and the phone number91 and address of the collector as well as a prohibition92 against removal unless the parcel has been redeemed. The93 notice shall be not less than eight inches by ten inches and94 shall be laminated or otherwise sufficiently weatherproof to95 withstand normal exposure to rain, snow, and other96 conditions. The sheriff shall document, by time-stamped97 photograph, compliance with this section, make such98 documentation generally available upon request, and provide99 verification by affidavit of compliance with this section.100 The cost of notice under this subsection may be recovered101 from the proceeds of the sale under section 141.580.102 8. In addition to the other notice requirements of103 this section, no later than twenty days prior to the104 sheriff's sale, the sheriff shall attempt in-person notice105 that shall describe the parcel and advise that it is the106 subject of delinquent land tax collection proceedings107 brought under sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections108 141.980 to 141.1015; that shall state that it may be sold109 for the payment of delinquent taxes at a sale to be held at110 a certain time, date, and place; and that shall also contain111 the tax identification number and the phone number and112 address of the collector. In-person notice may be provided113 to any person found at the parcel. The sheriff shall note114 the date and time of attempted notice and the name,115 description, or other identifying information regarding the116 person to whom notice was attempted. The sheriff shall117 document compliance with this section, make suchCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 50118 documentation generally available upon request, and provide119 verification by affidavit of compliance with this section.120 The cost of notice under this subsection may be recovered121 from the proceeds of the sale under section 141.580.1141.535. 1. If a parcel is the subject of an action2 filed under sections 447.620 to 447.640, the court shall3 stay the sale of any tax parcel to be sold under execution4 of a tax foreclosure judgment obtained under this chapter,5 provided that the party which has brought such an action has6 paid into the circuit court the principal amount of all7 [land] delinquent taxes then due and owing under the tax8 foreclosure judgment, exclusive of penalties, interest,9 attorney fees, and court costs, prior to the date of any10 proposed sale under execution. The party bringing such11 action shall provide written notice of the filing of the12 action to the court administrator and file with the circuit13 court in which the action is pending a certificate that such14 notice has been provided to the court administrator. If the15 party that brought the action under sections 447.620 to16 447.640 dismisses its action prior to gaining temporary17 possession of the property, it shall recover any amounts18 paid into the circuit court under this subsection.192. In any order granting a sheriff's deed under20 section 447.625 or a judicial deed under section 447.640,21 the court shall also order the permanent extinguishment of22 liability against the grantee and the grantee's successors23 in interest for penalties, interest, attorney fees, and24 court costs arising from actions to collect delinquent land25 taxes due on the subject property. The funds paid into the26 court for land taxes under subsection 1 of this section27 shall then be paid to the county collector.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 51283. If an owner of such a property moves the court for29 restoration of possession of the subject property under30 section 447.638, the owner shall pay into the circuit court31 all land tax amounts currently due and owing on the32 property, including all statutory penalties, interest,33 attorney fees, and court costs retroactive to the date of34 accrual, and in the event that an owner of the tax parcel35 regains possession under section 447.638, funds deposited by36 the owner under this subsection shall be paid to the county37 collector, and funds paid into the court by a party under38 subsection 1 of this section shall be paid out in full to39 the payer.1 141.540. 1. In any county at a certain front door of2 whose courthouse sales of real estate are customarily made3 by the sheriff under execution, the sheriff shall advertise4 for sale and sell the respective parcels of real estate5 ordered sold by the sheriff pursuant to any judgment of6 foreclosure by any court pursuant to sections 141.210 to7 141.810 and 141.980 to 141.1015 at any of such courthouses[,8 but]. The sale of such parcels of real estate shall be held9 at the same front door as sales of real estate are10 customarily made by the sheriff under execution.11 2. Such advertisements may include more than one12 parcel of real estate, and shall be in substantially the13 following form:14NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S15SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF16FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR17DELINQUENT LAND TAXESCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 5218No. ______19In the Circuit Court of ______ County,20Missouri.21In the Matter of Foreclosure of Liens for22Delinquent Land Taxes23Collector of Revenue of ______ County,24Missouri, Plaintiff,25vs.26Parcels of Land encumbered with Delinquent Tax27Liens, Defendants.28WHEREAS, judgment has been rendered against29parcels of real estate for taxes, interest,30penalties, attorney's fees and costs with the31serial numbers of each parcel of real estate,32the description thereof, the name of the person33appearing in the petition in the suit, and the34total amount of the judgment against each such35parcel for taxes, interest, penalties,36attorney's fees and costs, all as set out in37said judgment and described in each case,38respectively, as follows: (Here set out the39respective serial numbers, descriptions, names40and total amounts of each judgment, next above41referred to.) and,42WHEREAS, such judgment orders such real estate43sold by the undersigned sheriff, to satisfy the44total amount of such judgment, including45interest, penalties, attorney's fees and46costs,47NOW, THEREFORE,48Public Notice is hereby given that I ______,49Sheriff of ______ County, Missouri, will sell50such real estate, parcel by parcel, at publicCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 5351auction, to the highest bidder, for cash,52between the hours of nine o'clock A.M. and five53o'clock P.M., at the ______ front door of the54______ County Courthouse in ______, Missouri,55on ______, the ______ day of ______, 20______,56and continuing from day to day thereafter, to57satisfy the judgment as to each respective58parcel of real estate sold. If no acceptable59bids are received as to any parcel of real60estate, said parcel shall be sold to the Land61Trust of ______ (insert name of County),61Missouri or Land Bank of the City of ______62(insert name of municipality), Missouri.63Any bid received shall be subject to64confirmation by the court.65__________________66Sheriff of _____ County,67Missouri68__________________69Delinquent Land Tax70Attorney71Address: ______72First Publication ______, 20______73 3. Such advertisement shall be published four times,74 once a week, upon the same day of each week during75 successive weeks prior to the date of such sale, in a daily76 newspaper of general circulation regularly published in the77 county, qualified according to law for the publication of78 public notices and advertisements.1 141.550. 1. The sale shall be conducted, the2 sheriff's return thereof made, and the sheriff's deedCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 543 pursuant to the sale executed, all as provided in the case4 of sales of real estate taken under execution, except as5 otherwise provided in sections 141.210 to 141.810 and6 sections 141.980 to 141.1015, and provided that such sale7 need not occur during the term of court or while the court8 is in session.92. The following provisions shall apply to any sale10 pursuant to this section:11 (1) The sale shall be held on the day for which it is12 advertised, between the hours of nine o'clock a.m. and five13 o'clock p.m. and continued day to day thereafter to satisfy14 the judgment as to each respective parcel of real estate15 sold. For partial opt-in counties, the sale shall be held16 on the fourth Monday in August of each year between the17 hours of nine o'clock a.m. and five o'clock p.m. and18 continued day to day thereafter to satisfy the judgment as19 to each respective parcel of real estate sold;20 (2) The sale shall be conducted publicly, by auction,21 for ready money. The parcel shall be sold to the highest22 bidder, provided that the highest bid is equal to or greater23 than the full amount of all tax bills due and owing on the24 parcel, which may differ from the judgment amount; plus25 interest; penalties; attorney's fees and costs; and a26 nonreimbursable, two-hundred-dollar bidder fee. Such bidder27 fee shall be paid to the land trust or land bank agency for28 the municipality or county in which the parcel is situated.29 The bid amount shall not include any amounts for debts owed30 to any sewer district then due thereon;31 (3) No person shall be eligible to bid at the time of32 the sale unless such person has, no later than ten days33 before the sale date, demonstrated to the satisfaction of34 the official charged by law with conducting the sale that heCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 5535 or she is not the owner of any parcel of real estate in the36 county which is affected by a tax bill which has been37 delinquent for more than six months. A prospective bidder38 may make such a demonstration by presenting statements from39 the appropriate collection officials of the county. The40 official charged with conducting the sale may require41 prospective bidders to submit an affidavit attesting to the42 requirements of this subdivision and is expressly authorized43 to permanently preclude any prospective bidder from44 participating in the sale for failure to comply with the45 provisions of this subdivision; and46 (4) No foreign or domestic corporation or limited47 liability company that has failed to appoint or maintain a48 registered agent under chapter 347 or 351 shall be eligible49 to bid at the time of the sale. No foreign corporate entity50 shall be eligible to bid at the time of the sale unless it51 has a certificate of authority to transact business in52 Missouri under section 351.572. The official charged with53 conducting the sale may require prospective bidders to54 submit an affidavit attesting to the requirements of this55 subdivision and is expressly authorized to permanently56 preclude any prospective bidder from participating in the57 sale for failure to comply with the provisions of this58 subdivision.59 3. The following provisions shall apply to any sale60 under this section of property located within any61 municipality contained wholly or partially within a county62 with a population of over six hundred thousand inhabitants63 and fewer than nine hundred thousand inhabitants:64 (1) No person shall be eligible to bid at the time of65 the sale unless such person has, no later than ten days66 before the sale date, demonstrated to the satisfaction ofCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 5667 the official charged by law with conducting the sale that68 the person is not the owner of any parcel of real property69 with two or more violations of the municipality's building70 or housing codes. A prospective bidder may make such a71 demonstration by presenting statements from the appropriate72 code enforcement officials of the municipality; and73 (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1)74 of this subsection, any taxing authority or land bank agency75 shall be eligible to bid at the sale without making the76 demonstration described in subdivision (1) of this77 subsection.78 4. Such sale shall convey the whole interest of every79 person having or claiming any right, title or interest in or80 lien upon such real estate, whether such person has answered81 or not, subject to rights-of-way thereon of public utilities82 upon which tax has been otherwise paid, and subject to the83 lien thereon, if any, of the United States of America.84 5. The collector shall advance the sums necessary to85 pay for the publication of all advertisements required by86 sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.101587 and shall be allowed credit therefor in the collector's88 accounts with the county. The collector shall give credit89 in such accounts for all such advances recovered by the90 collector. Such expenses of publication shall be91 apportioned pro rata among and taxed as costs against the92 respective parcels of real estate described in the judgment;93 provided, however, that none of the costs herein enumerated,94 including the costs of publication, shall constitute any95 lien upon the real estate after such sale.1141.560. 1. If, when the sheriff offers the2 respective parcels of real estate for sale, there [be] are3 no bidders for any parcel, or there [be] is insufficientCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 574 time or opportunity to sell all of the parcels of real5 estate so advertised, the sheriff shall adjourn such sale6 from day to day at the same place and commencing at the same7 hour as when first offered and shall announce that such real8 estate will be offered or reoffered for sale at such time9 and place.10 2. With respect to any parcel of real estate not11 located wholly within a county or municipality that has12 established a land bank agency under section 140.981 or13 141.980, in the event no bid equal to the full amount of all14 tax bills due and owing on the parcel, which may differ from15 the judgment amount; plus interest; penalties; attorney's16 fees and costs; and a nonreimbursable, two-hundred-dollar17 bidder fee that shall be received at such sale after any18 parcel of real estate has been offered for sale on three19 different days, which need not be successive, the land trust20 shall be deemed to have bid the full amount of all tax bills21 included in the judgment, interest, penalties, attorney's22 fees and costs then due, and if no other bid be then23 received by the sheriff in excess of the bid of the land24 trust, and the sheriff shall so announce at the sale, then25 the bid of the land trust shall be announced as accepted.26 The sheriff shall report any such bid or bids so made by the27 land trust in the same way as the sheriff's report of other28 bids is made. Upon confirmation by the court of such bid at29 such sale by such land trust, the collector shall mark the30 tax bills so bid by the land trust as "cancelled by sale to31 the land trust" and shall take credit for the full amount of32 such tax bills, including principal amount, interest,33 penalties, attorney's fees, and costs, on the collector's34 books and in the collector's statements with any other35 taxing authorities.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 5836 3. With respect to any parcel of real estate located37 wholly within a county or municipality that has established38 a land bank agency under section 140.981 or 141.980, in the39 event no bid equal to the full amount of all tax bills due40 and owing on the parcel, which may differ from the judgment41 amount; plus interest; penalties; attorney's fees and costs;42 and a nonreimbursable, two-hundred-dollar bidder fee that43 shall be received at such sale after such parcel of real44 estate has been offered for sale on three different days,45 which need not be successive, the land bank agency46 established under section 140.981 or 141.980 shall be deemed47 to have bid the full amount of all tax bills included in the48 judgment, interest, penalties, attorney's fees and costs49 then due, and the sheriff shall so announce at the sale,50 then the bid of the land bank agency shall be announced as51 accepted. The sheriff shall report any such bid or bids so52 made by such land bank agency in the same way as the53 sheriff's report of other bids is made. Upon confirmation54 by the court of such bid at such sale by such land bank55 agency, the collector shall mark the tax bills so bid by56 such land bank agency as "cancelled by sale to the land57 bank" and shall take credit for the full amount of such tax58 bills, including principal amount, interest, penalties,59 attorney's fees, and costs, on the collector's books and in60 the collector's statements with any other taxing authorities.1141.570. The title to any real estate which shall vest2 in any purchaser[,] upon confirmation of such sale by the3 court, or in any land bank agency or land trust, shall be an4 absolute estate in fee simple, subject to rights-of-way5 thereon of public utilities on which tax has been otherwise6 paid, and subject to any lien thereon of the United States7 of America, if any, and all persons and interested parties,CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 598 including the state of Missouri, any taxing authority or tax9 district, as defined herein, judgment creditors,10 lienholders, infants, incapacitated and disabled persons as11 defined in chapter 475, and nonresidents who may have had12 any right, title, interest, claim, or equity of redemption13 in or to, or lien upon, such lands, shall be barred and14 forever foreclosed of all such right, title, interest,15 claim, lien or equity of redemption, and the court shall16 order immediate possession of such real estate be given to17 such purchaser; provided, however, that such title shall18 also be subject to the liens of any tax bills which may have19 attached after the sheriff's sale, but if such parcel of20 real estate is deemed sold to the land trust pursuant to21 subsection 2 of section 141.560, or deemed sold to a land22 bank agency pursuant to subsection 3 of section 141.560, or23 sold to a land bank agency pursuant to subdivision (2) of24 subsection 2 of section 141.550, the title thereto shall be25 free of any such liens to the extent of the interest of any26 taxing authority in such real estate; provided further, that27 the lien of special tax bills shall attach to the proceeds28 of the sheriff's sale, if any, or shall otherwise be forever29 barred and foreclosed.1141.580. 1. Within six months after the sheriff sells2 any parcel of real estate, the court shall, upon its own3 motion or upon motion of any interested party, set the cause4 [down] for hearing to confirm or set aside the foreclosure5 sale thereof, even though such parcels are not all of the6 parcels of real estate described in the notice of sheriff's7 foreclosure sale. Notice of the hearing, or of the court8 moving to confirm the foreclosure sale, shall be sent by any9 interested party to each person who was sent notice of the10 sale and to any interested parties as required by prevailingCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6011 notions of due process. At the time of such hearing, the12 sheriff shall make report of the sale, and the court shall13 hear evidence of the value of the property offered on behalf14 of any interested party to the suit, and shall forthwith15 determine whether an adequate consideration has been paid16 for each such parcel. The court's judgment shall include a17 specific finding that adequate notice was provided to all18 interested parties under prevailing notions of due process19 and sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.980 to20 141.1015, reciting the notice efforts of the collector,21 sheriff, and tax sale purchaser. Nothing in this section22 shall be interpreted to preclude a successful tax sale23 purchaser from asserting a claim to quiet title to the bid-24 upon parcel under section 527.150.25 2. For this purpose the court shall have power to26 summon any city or county official or any private person to27 testify as to the reasonable value of the property, and if28 the court finds that adequate consideration has been paid,29 the court shall confirm the sale and order the sheriff to30 issue a deed to the purchaser. If the court finds that the31 consideration paid is inadequate, the court shall confirm32 the sale if the purchaser increases the purchaser's bid to33 such amount as the court deems to be adequate and makes such34 additional payment, or if all tax bills included in the35 judgment, interest, penalties, attorney's fees and costs36 then due thereon are not paid in full by one or more37 interested parties to the suit. If the court finds that the38 consideration is inadequate, but the purchaser declines to39 increase the purchaser's bid to such amount as the court40 deems adequate and make such additional payment, then the41 sale shall be disapproved if all tax bills included in the42 judgment, interest, penalties, attorney's fees and costsCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6143 then due thereon are paid in full by one or more interested44 parties to the suit, the lien of the judgment continued, and45 such parcel of real estate shall be again advertised and46 offered for sale by the sheriff to the highest bidder at47 public auction for cash at any subsequent sheriff's48 foreclosure sale. Unless the court requires evidence of the49 value of the property conveyed to land trust or a land bank50 agency, none shall be required, and the amount bid by the51 land trust or such land bank agency shall be deemed adequate52 consideration.53 3. If the sale is confirmed, the court shall order the54 proceeds [of] from the sale applied in the following order:55 (1) To the payment of the costs of the publication of56 the notice of foreclosure and of the sheriff's foreclosure57 sale;58 (2) To the payment of all of the collector's and59 sheriff's costs including appraiser's fee and attorney's60 fees;61 (3) To the payment of all tax bills adjudged to be due62 in the order of their priority, including principal,63 interest and penalties thereon, except in the event of a64 sale to any land bank agency, for which this subdivision65 shall not apply.66 If, after such payment, there is any sum remaining of the67 proceeds of the sheriff's foreclosure sale, the court shall68 thereupon try and determine the other issues in the suit in69 accordance with section 141.480. If any answering parties70 have specially appealed as provided in section 141.570, the71 court shall retain the custody of such funds pending72 disposition of such appeal, and upon disposition of such73 appeal shall make such distribution. If there are notCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6274 sufficient proceeds of the sale to pay all claims in any75 class described, the court shall order the same to be paid76 pro rata in accordance with the priorities.77 4. If there are any funds remaining of the proceeds78 after the sheriff's sale and after the distribution of such79 funds as herein set out and no person entitled to any such80 funds, whether or not a party to the suit, shall, within two81 years after such sale, appear and claim the funds, the funds82 shall be distributed to the appropriate taxing authorities,83 except in partial opt-in counties, where the funds shall be84 distributed to the school fund for the county.85 5. Any county operating under the provisions of86 sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections 141.980 to 141.101587 may elect to allocate a portion of its share of the proceeds88 toward a fund for the purpose of defending against claims89 challenging the sufficiency of notice provisions under this90 section.91 6. Any interested party, other than the sheriff's sale92 purchaser, who moves the court to set aside a sheriff's sale93 after the issuance of a sheriff's deed made under the94 provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810 and sections95 141.980 to 141.1015 shall be required to pay into the court96 the redemption amount otherwise necessary under sections97 141.420 and 141.530 prior to the court hearing any such98 motion to set aside.1141.610. Each court administrator's or sheriff's deed2 given pursuant to the provisions of the land tax collection3 law shall be prima facie evidence that the suit and all4 proceedings therein and all proceedings prior thereto [from5 and], including assessment of the lands affected thereby and6 all notices required by law were regular and in accordance7 with all provisions of the law relating thereto. The courtCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 638 administrator or sheriff shall record its deed and shall9 collect said recording fee at the time of sale.1141.620. 1. In addition to all amounts due on any tax2 bill, including principal, interest, penalties, attorney's3 fees, and costs, as now fixed by law, there shall be imposed4 and charged as a part of the costs on each such tax bill a5 suit penalty of five percent of the principal amount of the6 tax bill to be due to the collector upon the filing of the7 petition with the circuit clerk.82. The collector shall set up a separate fund in the9 collector's accounts to which the collector shall credit10 such five percent suit penalties when paid, together with11 all other penalties and costs recovered under this action,12 and shall retain such portion thereof as may be needed for13 the purpose of paying the expenses and costs required to be14 advanced under sections 141.210 to 141.810, including15 compensation to the delinquent land tax attorney, the16 attorney's assistants, and stenographic and clerical help,17 and funds for the costs of publication, notices, for court18 costs, sheriff's expenses and other costs hereunder, and19 shall transfer the remainder of such funds annually, on20 January first of each year, to the land trust for the use21 and expenses of the land trust. Where no land trust exists,22 the collector shall retain the remainder of such funds.1141.680. 1. Except for partial opt-in counties, the2 remedies and procedures set forth in sections 141.210 to3 141.810 shall be the exclusive remedies and procedures4 available for the collection of delinquent and back land5 taxes in a county [electing] that elects to come under or6 [which] that has come under their authority. Sections7 141.210 to 141.810 shall not be affected nor infringed upon8 by any other laws or parts of law in conflict herewith.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6492. Any taxing authority or owner of any tax bill is10 hereby prohibited from advertising for sale or selling any11 parcel of real estate for the collection of delinquent land12 taxes due thereon, except after judgment of a court having13 jurisdiction ordering such advertising or sale, when such14 parcel is at such time included in any petition filed15 pursuant to the provisions of this law.16 3. At the option of the taxing authority or tax bill17 owner, all claims for land taxes against any parcel of real18 estate, which has been included in any petition filed under19 this law, where such taxes have become due and payable after20 any tax list or petition thereon has been filed, may be21 asserted by amended petition or by answer filed before22 judgment, and, if allowed by the court, shall be included in23 the judgment against such parcel of real estate.1141.700. In all counties electing to operate under2 sections 141.210 to 141.810 prior to January 1, 2025, there3 is hereby created a commission for the management, sale, and4 other disposition of tax delinquent lands, which commission5 shall be known as "The Land Trust of ______ County,6 Missouri", and the members thereof shall be known as land7 trustees. Such land trust shall have and exercise all the8 powers that are conferred by sections 141.210 to 141.8109 necessary and incidental to the effective management, sale10 or other disposition of real estate acquired under and by11 virtue of the foreclosure of the lien for delinquent real12 estate taxes, as provided in said sections, and in the13 exercise of such powers, the land trust shall be deemed to14 be a public corporation acting in a governmental capacity.15 Where a county has elected to establish a land bank agency16 under subsection 1 of section 140.981, no such land trust17 shall be created under sections 141.700 to 141.810.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 651141.819. 1. In all partial opt-in counties, prior to2 a confirmation by a court of a deemed bid under subsection 23 of section 141.560, a land trust shall be created for the4 management, sale, and other disposition of tax delinquent5 lands, which shall be known as "The Land Trust of ______6 County, Missouri", and the board of which shall be known as7 land trustees. The county commission of such county shall8 appoint by resolution or order one or three land trustees.9 The first appointed land trustee shall serve for a term of10 two years and the remaining land trustees shall serve for11 terms of three years respectively, as applicable.12 Thereafter, land trustees shall be appointed by the county13 commission for a term of office of two years, except that14 all vacancies shall be filled for an unexpired term.15 2. If a county elected to establish a land bank agency16 under subsection 1 of section 140.981, no such land trust17 shall be created under sections 141.700 to 141.819.18 3. Such land trust, by majority vote of the land19 trustees, shall have the power and duty to sell, exchange,20 or otherwise dispose of real estate, provided, however, that21 any such sale, exchange, or disposal shall be for22 consideration equal to or in excess of two-thirds of the23 appraised value of such real estate so sold or conveyed, and24 if such consideration is less than two-thirds of the25 appraised value of such real estate, the land trust shall26 first procure a majority vote of the county commission.27 4. (1) The land trust shall set up accounts relating28 to the operation and management of the land trust.29 (2) When any parcel of real estate is sold or30 otherwise disposed of by the land trust, the proceeds31 therefrom shall be applied and distributed in the following32 order:CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6633 (a) To the payment of the expenses of sale;34 (b) To the costs of the care, improvement, operation,35 acquisition, demolition, management, and administration of36 parcels of real estate owned by the land trust; and37 (c) To the county's general fund.38 5. No land trustee shall receive any compensation,39 emolument, or other profit directly or indirectly from the40 rental, management, acquisition, sale, demolition, repair,41 rehabilitation, use, operation, ownership, or disposition of42 any lands held by such land trust.1141.980. 1. (1) Sections 141.980 to 141.1015 shall2 be known [and may be cited] as the "Chapter 141 Municipal3 Land Bank Act".4(2) Any municipality located wholly or partially5 within a county electing to operate wholly under the6 provisions of sections 141.210 to 141.810 may establish a7 land bank agency for the management, sale, transfer, and8 other disposition of interests in real estate owned by such9 land bank agency. Any such land bank agency created shall10 be created to foster the public purpose of returning land,11 including land that is in a nonrevenue-generating, nontax-12 producing status to use in private ownership or for public13 use. Such land bank agency shall be established by14 ordinance or resolution as applicable. Such land bank15 agency shall not own any interest in real estate that is16 located wholly or partially outside such establishing17 municipality. No municipality in a partial opt-in county is18 eligible to establish a land bank agency under this section.19 2. The beneficiaries of the land bank agency shall be20 the taxing authorities that held or owned tax bills against21 the respective parcels of real estate acquired by such land22 bank agency pursuant to a deemed sale under subsection 3 ofCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6723 section 141.560, by deed from a land trust under subsection24 1 of section 141.984, or pursuant to a sale under25 subdivision (2) of subsection 2 of section 141.550 included26 in the judgment of the court, and the beneficiaries'27 respective interests in each parcel of real estate shall be28 to the extent and in the proportion and according to the29 priorities determined by the court on the basis that the30 principal amount of the beneficiaries' respective tax bills31 bore to the total principal amount of all of the tax bills32 described in the judgment.33 3. Each land bank agency created pursuant to this34 chapter shall be a public body corporate and politic, and35 shall have permanent and perpetual duration until terminated36 and dissolved in accordance with the provisions of section37 141.1012.1141.984. 1. Within one year of the effective date of2 the ordinance or resolution passed establishing a land bank3 agency under this chapter, title to any real property held4 by a land trust created pursuant to section 141.700 that is5 located wholly within the municipality that created the land6 bank agency shall be transferred by deed to such land bank7 agency.82. The income of a land bank agency shall be exempt9 from all taxation by the state and by any of its political10 subdivisions. Upon acquiring title to any real estate, a11 land bank agency shall immediately notify the county12 assessor and the collector of such ownership, and such real13 estate shall be exempt from all taxation during the land14 bank agency's ownership thereof, in the same manner and to15 the same extent as any other publicly owned real estate, and16 upon the sale or other disposition of any real estate held17 by it, such land bank agency shall immediately notify theCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6818 county assessor and the collector of such change of19 ownership; provided however, that such tax exemption for20 improved and occupied real property held by such land bank21 agency as lessor pursuant to a ground lease shall terminate22 upon the first such occupancy, and such land bank agency23 shall immediately notify the county assessor and the24 collector of such occupancy.25 3. Subject to the limitation set forth in subsection 126 of section 141.980, a land bank agency may acquire real27 property or interests in property by gift, devise, transfer,28 exchange, foreclosure, purchase, or [pursuant to sections29 141.560 to 141.580 or section 141.819. A land bank agency30 may only purchase real property for the purpose of adding to31 a parcel already owned by the land bank agency] otherwise on32 terms and conditions and in a manner the land bank agency33 considers proper.34 4. Subject to the limitation set forth in subsection 135 of section 141.980, a land bank agency may acquire property36 by purchase contracts, installment sales contracts, and land37 contacts, and may accept transfers from political38 subdivisions upon such terms and conditions as agreed to by39 the land bank agency and the political subdivision. Subject40 to the limitation set forth in subsection 1 of section41 141.980, a land bank agency may bid on any parcel of real42 estate offered for sale at a sheriff's foreclosure sale held43 in accordance with section 141.550. Notwithstanding any44 other law to the contrary, but subject to the limitation set45 forth in subsection 1 of section 141.980, any political46 subdivision may transfer to the land bank agency real47 property and interests in real property of the political48 subdivision on such terms and conditions and according to49 such procedures as determined by the political subdivision.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 6950 5. A land bank agency shall maintain all of its real51 property in accordance with the laws and ordinances of the52 jurisdictions in which the real property is located.53 6. Upon confirmation under section 141.580 of a54 sheriff's foreclosure sale of a parcel of real estate to a55 land bank agency under subdivision (2) of subsection 2 of56 section 141.550, said land bank agency shall pay the amount57 of the land bank agency's bid that exceeds the amount of all58 tax bills included in the judgment, interest, penalties,59 attorney's fees and costs then due thereon. Such excess60 shall be applied and distributed in accordance with61 subsections 3 and 4 of section 141.580, exclusive of62 subdivision (3) of subsection 3 thereof. Upon such63 confirmation by the court, the collector shall mark the tax64 bills included in the judgment as "cancelled by sale to the65 land bank" and shall take credit for the full amount of such66 tax bills, including principal amount, interest, penalties,67 attorney's fees, and costs, on the collector's books and in68 the collector's statements with any other taxing authorities.1141.1009. 1. A land bank agency shall be authorized2 to file an action to quiet title pursuant to section 527.1503 as to any real property in which the land bank agency has an4 interest. For purposes of any and all such actions, the5 land bank agency shall be deemed to be the holder of6 sufficient legal and equitable interests, and possessory7 rights, so as to qualify the land bank agency as adequate8 petitioner in such action.92. Prior to the filing of an action to quiet title the10 land bank agency shall conduct an examination of title to11 determine the identity of any and all persons and entities12 possessing a claim or interest in or to the real property.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7013 Service of the petition to quiet title shall be provided to14 all such interested parties by the following methods:15 (1) Registered or certified mail to such identity and16 address as reasonably ascertainable by an inspection of17 public records;18 (2) In the case of occupied real property by first19 class mail, addressed to "Occupant";20 (3) By posting a copy of the notice on the real21 property;22 (4) By publication in a newspaper of general23 circulation in the municipality in which the property is24 located; and25 (5) Such other methods as the court may order or as26 may be required by prevailing notions of due process.27 3. As part of the petition to quiet title the land28 bank agency shall file an affidavit identifying all parties29 potentially having an interest in the real property, and the30 form of notice provided.31 4. The court shall schedule a hearing on the petition32 within ninety days following filing of the petition, and as33 to all matters upon which an answer was not filed by an34 interested party the court shall issue its final judgment35 within one hundred twenty days of the filing of the petition.36 5. A land bank agency shall be authorized to join in a37 single petition to quiet title one or more parcels of real38 property.1141.1020. Notwithstanding any provision of sections2 141.980 to 141.1020 to the contrary, a land bank agency may3 rent or lease property held by the land bank agency for4 community, noncommercial, and agricultural uses.1249.255. 1. Should a public sewer district created2 and organized pursuant to constitutional or statutoryCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 713 authority place a lien upon a customer's property for unpaid4 sewer charges, the lien, once properly recorded, shall have5 priority above all liens except for those taxes levied for6 state and county purposes.72. Should the sewer charges of a public sewer district8 created and organized pursuant to constitutional or9 statutory authority remain unpaid for a period in excess of10 three months, the district, after notice to the customer by11 certified mail, shall have the authority at its discretion,12 to disconnect the customer's sewer line from the district's13 line or request any private water company, public water14 supply district, or any municipality supplying water to the15 premises to discontinue service to the customer until such16 time as the sewer charges and all related costs of this17 section are paid.1407.3600. 1. For purposes of this section, the2 following terms mean:3(1) "Residential real property", real property that is4 improved by a building or other structure that has one to5 four dwelling units;6(2) (a) "Wholesaler", a person or entity that for a7 fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, or with8 the intention, expectation, or upon the promise of receiving9 or collecting a fee, commission, or other valuable10 consideration, enters into a purchase contract for11 residential real property either:12 a. As the grantee, and assigns or novates the contract13 to another person or entity; or14 b. As the grantor, and, without holding legal title to15 the real property, assigns or novates the contract to16 another person or entity.17 (b) "Wholesaler" shall not include:CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7218 a. An individual who assigns or novates the contract19 to another individual who is a relative within the third20 degree of consanguinity or affinity; or21 b. A person or entity that assigns or novates the22 contract to a parent, affiliate, subsidiary, or affiliated23 group under common control with the person or entity.24 2. Not less than fourteen calendar days before25 entering into a contract that transfers an interest in26 residential real property, a wholesaler acting as a grantee27 or a wholesaler's representative, if applicable, shall28 provide to the record owner a written disclosure statement,29 separate from the purchase contract or agreement, printed in30 boldface type font size not less than twelve points, that31 contains the following disclosure:32Missouri law requires a wholesaler acting as33a grantee, before entering into a contract or34agreement that conveys an interest in35residential real property, to provide certain36information to the record owner in a37conspicuous manner printed in boldface type38font size not less than twelve points.39Failure by a wholesaler to present or40complete this form shall be considered an41unlawful and unfair practice under the42Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Any43person who enters into an agreement that44conveys an interest in residential real45property to a wholesaler acting as a grantee46without receiving this disclosure has a cause47of action against the wholesaler. A48wholesaler acting as a grantee is prohibited49from entering into a binding contract to50acquire an interest in residential real51property unless this statement is signed and52dated by the record owner of the property.CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7353The owner acknowledges that the person54presenting this document is a wholesaler, as55defined in section 407.3600 of the Revised56Statutes of Missouri, and that the owner is57advised to seek legal advice before entering58into any agreement or contract with the59wholesaler. A wholesaler is acting on the60wholesaler's own behalf and does not61represent the owner in this transaction. A62wholesaler enters assignable contracts with63owners and seeks to sell or assign the64wholesaler's interest for a profit. The65wholesaler may assign the wholesaler's66interest in the purchase contract to a third67party without the owner's consent before68closing. The wholesaler may charge a fee to69the third-party buyer separately for profit.70The agreed purchase price between the owner71and wholesaler may be below market value and72is conveyed voluntarily.73The owner acknowledges disclosure of the74information provided in this form by signing75and dating below:76_________ (Property owner signature) ___77(date)78_________ (Wholesaler signature) ___ (date).79 3. A wholesaler acting as the grantee shall not enter80 into a binding contract that transfers an interest in81 residential real property until both the wholesaler and the82 record owner of the property sign and date the disclosure83 statement required under subsection 2 of this section.84 4. If a wholesaler acting as the grantee fails to make85 the disclosures pursuant to subsection 2 of this section86 before entering into a binding contract that transfers anCCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7487 interest in residential real property, the record owner of88 the residential real property may cancel the contract at any89 time prior to the close of escrow without penalty and the90 escrow or closing agent shall disburse any earnest money91 paid by the wholesaler to the record owner within thirty92 days after such cancellation.935. Provisions of this section shall not be modified or94 waived by any oral or written agreement. Any portion of an95 agreement that is executed, modified, or extended after the96 effective date of this section that modifies or waives any97 provision of this section shall be null and void.986. Any violation of this section shall be considered99 an unlawful practice under the Missouri merchandising100 practices act under this chapter. A party that enters into101 an agreement without receiving the disclosures required102 under subsection 2 of this section may bring a private103 action against a wholesaler.104 7. The attorney general shall have the authority to105 enforce the provisions of this section. If the attorney106 general finds that a violation occurred, the attorney107 general may commence a civil action in a court of competent108 jurisdiction. If the court finds that a violation occurred,109 the court may grant damages, injunctive relief, attorney110 fees, and any such other relief the court finds appropriate.1442.920. 1. This section shall be known and may be2 cited as the "Missouri Residential Sale Leaseback Protection3 Act".42. For purposes of this section, the following terms5 mean:6(1) "Buyer", any person or entity that acquires an7 ownership interest in residential real estate in a sale8 leaseback transaction;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 759 (2) "Residential real estate", real property that is10 improved by a building or other structure that has one to11 four dwelling units;12 (3) "Sale leaseback", a transaction or series of13 transactions in which a seller sells residential real estate14 that is or was the seller's residence to another party and,15 as a condition of the sale, or as part of the same or a16 related transaction, enters into a lease or rental agreement17 to remain in or re-occupy the property;18 (4) "Seller", any natural person who transfers an19 ownership interest in residential real estate in a sale20 leaseback transaction.21 3. (1) In any sale leaseback transaction, the buyer22 shall provide the seller with the following disclosure on a23 single page in a clear and conspicuous manner, printed in24 boldface type:25If you sign a sale leaseback agreement, you26are entering into a contract to sell your27home. This means you will no longer own your28home.29You may be subject to eviction if you do not30follow the lease terms.31You may lose the right to buy back your home.32This may affect your credit, taxes, and legal33rights.34You are encouraged to speak with:35(1) An attorney;36(2) A real estate agent;37(3) A housing counselor;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7638(4) A tax advisor; and39(5) A real estate appraiser.40No sale leaseback can be closed for at least41thirty (30) days after signing an agreement.42Do not sign unless you fully understand the43terms.44 (2) The disclosure required by subdivision (1) of this45 subsection shall be provided to the seller not less than46 fourteen calendar days prior to execution of any sale47 leaseback agreement, and the disclosures shall be signed by48 both the seller and the buyer concurrently with the49 execution of the sale leaseback agreement.50 (3) A copy of the signed disclosure required by51 subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be provided to the52 seller within five days of the execution of the sale53 leaseback agreement.54 4. There shall be no delivery, recording, or other55 transfer of title from seller to buyer until thirty days56 after the execution of any sale leaseback agreement.57 5. (1) Any violation of the provisions of this58 section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed59 ten thousand dollars per violation.60 (2) The attorney general may bring an action to61 enforce this section, including actions for injunctive62 relief, civil penalties, and restitution.63 (3) Any seller harmed by a violation of this section64 may bring a civil action to recover:65 (a) Actual damages;66 (b) Statutory damages of ten thousand dollars, which67 shall be in addition to any actual damages proven;CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 7768 (c) Attorneys' fees and costs; and69 (d) Equitable or injunctive relief.70 6. No provision of this section shall be modified or71 waived by any agreement. Any portion of an agreement that72 is executed, modified, or extended after the effective date73 of this section that modifies or waives a duty or remedy74 under this section is void ab initio and unenforceable.1Section 1. In the event that any section, provision,2 clause, phrase, or word of this act or the application3 thereof is declared invalid under the Constitution of the4 United States or the Constitution of the State of Missouri,5 it is the intent of the general assembly that the remaining6 sections of this act remain in force and effect as far as7 they are capable of being carried into execution as intended8 by the general assembly. The general assembly hereby9 declares that it would have passed each section, provision,10 clause, phrase, or word thereof, irrespective of the fact11 that any one or more sections, provisions, clauses, phrases,12 or words of this act or the application of this act would be13 declared unenforceable, unconstitutional, or invalid.
Creates and modifies provisions relating to real estate transactions
Sponsors
Sen. Curtis Trent (R) sponsors SB 973 alone.
Committees
SB 973 went before 4 committees: General Laws, Commerce, Rules - Administrative and Fiscal Review.
History
SB 973 has taken 45 actions since Dec 1, 2025, the latest on Jul 13, 2026.
| Chamber | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jul 13, 2026 | Senate | Signed by Governor | ||
May 28, 2026 | Senate | Reported Duly Enrolled Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions & Ethics Committee | ||
May 28, 2026 | Senate | Signed by Senate President Pro Tem | ||
May 28, 2026 | Senate | Signed by House Speaker | ||
May 28, 2026 | Senate | Delivered to Governor |
Votes
SB 973 went to 6 roll calls across both chambers, the latest on May 15, 2026 at 136–7.
| Chamber | Question | Yea | Nay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 15, 2026 | House | House: BILLS IN CONFERENCE CCS HCS SS SCS SB 973 | 136 | 7 | ||
May 15, 2026 | Senate | Senate: Conference Committee Report Adoption | 27 | 0 | ||
May 15, 2026 | Senate | Senate: Third Reading | 22 | 7 | ||
May 15, 2026 | Senate | Senate: Third Reading | 26 | 0 | ||
Apr 29, 2026 | House | House: SBs FOR THIRD READING HCS SS SCS SB 973, A.A. | 110 | 36 |
Source: senate.mo.gov · legiscan.com
