(a) The department may insure and keep insured against fire or other hazards all buildings, fences, other permanent improvements, or crops situated upon any property which has reverted to and is under the control of the department, or may do the work and supply the materials necessary to keep the buildings, fences, and other improvements situated upon the property in good order and repair. The department may lease or let the property, in whole or in part, upon any terms that the department determines to be proper. In the case of a farm, the department may cultivate the farm or harvest the crop.
(b) Whenever the department determines to lease or let any reverted property pursuant to subdivision (a), the department may give first priority to public or private organizations serving homeless veterans if the property is zoned for that use and all state and local building permit and use conditions are met. The department may give second priority to a public housing authority organized pursuant to the Housing Authorities Law (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 34200) of Part 2 of Division 24 of the Health and Safety Code) for leasing or letting to persons of low income, as defined in Section 34213 of the Health and Safety Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 563, Sec. 4.)