Jefferson City, Mo. – State Representative Sheila Solon (R-St. Joseph) successfully passed HB 821 through the Missouri House of Representatives and moved it to the Senate on Thursday.

According to a news release from Solon’s office, this legislation will allow the city of St. Joseph to create a land bank with the ultimate goal of getting abandoned properties in the hands of responsible owners.

“I was asked to handle this legislation by the city of St. Joseph; it is a top priority for them. I am thankful that I was able to get it passed out of the House and moved to the Senate where Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) has agreed to handle this legislation for me” said Solon.

According to the news release, the city of St. Joseph currently has approximately 450 vacant structures that are considered dangerous and are in violation of the Property Maintenance Code. This legislation will give an incentive for responsible borrowers to invest in these properties and either bring them up to safe standards or possibly tear them down and rebuild.