Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz filed Senate Bill 1594 on Tuesday at the request of the Mayors Federation and the Federation of Municipal Legislators. The bill would amend the Municipal Code and the Expropriation Law so towns could obtain title to properties declared public nuisances and register them in the Property Registry without first depositing or paying just compensation to their owners.
Under the measure, a court order conferring title would be enough for registration, and registrars could not demand proof that compensation was deposited or paid. Towns would only have to pay when an owner or other interested party appears before the court and proves their right to the funds; claimants would have three years from the judgment to claim the money, which would accrue interest until paid.
The bill stresses owners keep their constitutional right to just compensation, but says a judgment setting it could not delay, suspend or invalidate the town’s acquisition, possession or registration. Sponsors argue recent court interpretations requiring payment up front have stalled rehabilitation of abandoned properties that endanger community health and safety. The changes would also apply to pending nuisance cases without a final ruling.
The bill further allows notices to unknown owners via digital platforms and social media, exempts food and medicine purchases from certain auction requirements, and permits shifts of up to 10 hours within a 40-hour week.