FINAL BILL REPORT

                 ESHB 2628

                         C 175 L 94

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to condemnation of blighted property.

By House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives R. Fisher, Campbell, Edmondson, Sommers, Appelwick and Dorn).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Government Operations

Background:  Counties, cities, and towns are authorized to condemn property, dwellings, buildings, and structures constituting a blight on the surrounding neighborhood.  A "blight on the surrounding neighborhood" is defined as property that:  (1) has not been lawfully occupied for one year or more; (2) constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, as determined by the county health department; and (3) is or has been associated with illegal drug activity during the previous 12 months.

Before the property may be condemned, the county, city, or town governing body must adopt a resolution declaring that the acquisition of the property is necessary to eliminate neighborhood blight.

Summary:  The requirements are altered for a county, city, or town to condemn property that constitutes a blight on the surrounding neighborhood.  Such property may be condemned if two of the following three factors are met: (1) if there is a structure on the property, the structure has not been lawfully occupied for a year or more; (2) the executive authority of the county, city, or town determines the property constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare; and (3) the property is associated with illegal drug activity during the previous 12 months.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  91 4

Senate 38 8

Effective:  June 9, 1994