House Bill 502 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Napoleon BracyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

City of Prichard; Mobile County, expedited quiet title process established

Summary

HB502 would let the City of Prichard pursue an expedited quiet title and foreclosure process to clear and obtain title to certain abandoned tax sale properties.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the City of Prichard in Mobile County to file an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action in circuit court for parcels the city purchased from the state land commissioner. The city must record a notice of its intent and identify interested parties, using listed steps such as posting a sign on the property, reviewing deed records, and checking public records to find owners, heirs, mortgagees, and other claimants. Hearings are set within 90 days of the scheduling order, with 30 days' notice to interested parties and, if necessary, publication. If no one redeems, the court can grant title to the city and extinguish most liens and interests, while preserving certain easements and covenants; the decision can be appealed with a bond and limited stay.

Who It Affects

• City of Prichard in Mobile County – gains authority to initiate and complete expedited quiet title and foreclosure actions to acquire title to the affected properties.
• Interested parties (owners, heirs, mortgagees, purchasers, lien holders, and others with a legal or equitable interest) – must be identified and notified; they may contest or redeem; their interests can be extinguished if the city prevails.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes expedited quiet title and foreclosure for tax sale properties purchased from the state land commissioner, with a petition in circuit court.
• Requires notice of the intention to file and a legal description, street address, and statement that the matter may extinguish interests.
• Requires the city to use a good-faith process to identify interested parties, including posting a sign, examining deed and tax records, and searching various public records.
• Allows a single petition for multiple parcels and service to all identified interested parties.
• Hearing scheduled no later than 90 days from the scheduling order; extension for good cause.
• Before the hearing, notice to interested parties at least 30 days in advance by certified and regular mail and posting notices on the property; publication if necessary.
• If redemption is not completed, the court must enter judgment within 10 days; the judgment vests fee simple title in the city and extinguishes liens and most interests, with exceptions for certain easements and covenants.
• Appeals are allowed to the Court of Civil Appeals within 42 days; bond required; stay limited to the parcel.
• The act becomes effective June 1, 2026, and applies only to the City of Prichard.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 31, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Mobile County