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SB 168 — Public Nuisances
by Senator Truenow
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill authorizes any place or premises that has been used as a gambling house on more than two occasions within a 12-month period to be declared as a public nuisance.
Additionally, the bill revises what an abatement ordinance can include by allowing:
- An increase of daily fines up to $500 if the nuisance activity is not abated within a year with the consideration of the gravity of the public nuisance and any actions taken by the owner when determining the fine amount.
- The removal of the $15,000 cap on fines.
- The nuisance abatement board to award attorney fees, if requested, to include fees for the time and labor of any legal assistants who contributed nonclerical, meaningful legal support to the matter.
- The nuisance abatement board to retain jurisdiction over a place or premises for renewing periods of one year until the public nuisance is abated.
- An appropriate entity to foreclose on a lien if the lien remains unpaid three months after filing, and mandate the foreclosure if the public nuisance activity is unabated after two years.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 112-0