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May 15, 2006 - Last Thursday, Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) and his Senate colleagues passed important legislation that will protect the public from neglected abandoned buildings.
“In light of the tragedy at the Worcester Warehouse Fire in 1999 and the many mills and factories that are in disrepair throughout my district, this bill will strengthen safety measures to protect public officials and local communities,” said Senator Moore.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1370, sponsored by the veteran lawmaker requires local building inspectors to immediately inspect structures that appear dangerous or abandoned. If the inspection confirms this condition, the inspector will notify the owner of the condition and that the owner must remove the structure or make it safe or secure. If within three days of notification, the owner fails to remove the structure or make it safe or secure, the inspector will immediately secure or remove the structure with the owner paying for all costs.
Under this bill, those individuals who refuse or neglect to remove these structures or make them safe or secure after being notified of the problem may be fined $750 per day. Any owner in possession of a building that is dangerous or abandoned could be found guilty of the crime of "negligent maintenance" if death or serious bodily injury occurs as a result of the dangerous or unsecured condition. The punishment for this serious crime could result in a one-year jail sentence.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
To learn more about Senator Moore’s legislation and his work in the Massachusetts Senate, log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com
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