The Judiciary Committee adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 628 and reported the bill favorably after sponsor remarks and testimony from law enforcement supporting stronger nuisance-abatement tools.

Senator Wright, sponsor of SB 628, explained that the current statutory maximum fine for public nuisances ($250 per day, capped at $15,000) is often insufficient to deter problem properties. The adopted amendment increases the maximum fine for nuisances unabat ed after one year to up to $500 per day (the sponsor's remarks referenced a higher cap for persistent nuisances), directs boards to consider the gravity of the nuisance and property-owner corrective efforts when setting fines, and permits counties or municipalities to enter agreements with the tax collector to recover fines as non-ad valorem special assessments. The amendment also allows nuisance abatement boards to authorize foreclosure on properties with unabated nuisances for two years and to consider legal time and labor performed under attorney supervision when awarding legal fees.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Captain Antonio Wright testified in support and described properties that remained under board jurisdiction for years with little improvement and said strengthening enforcement was necessary to protect neighborhoods. Sponsor Wright said the measure would give local governments and law enforcement tools to compel corrective action and prevent tragedies associated with persistently neglected properties. The committee recorded a unanimous favorable report on the amended bill.