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Senate committee forwards bill allowing property owners to ask sheriffs to remove unauthorized occupants
Summary
House Bill 321, a measure to allow residential property owners to request sheriff removal of unauthorized occupants when eight statutory conditions are met, was sent to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation after a short committee exchange.
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee voted to send House Bill 321 to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation after a brief presentation and questions.
Senator Keiser, District 20, presented the bill and described it as a statute allowing a property owner to request sheriff removal of an unauthorized person from residential real property when eight listed conditions are met. The bill provides an example complaint form for submission to the sheriff; on receipt the sheriff is to verify that the complainant is the record owner. The bill excludes persons with a lawful contract or prior authorization to occupy the property.
Senator Wintrow asked for examples of how the bill would be used; Keiser explained the bill is intended for situations where unknown persons occupy a property without permission and refuse to leave. The measure also includes civil remedies if a person is wrongfully removed and new penalties: a misdemeanor for knowingly presenting false documentation and a felony for knowingly listing a property for sale or rent when the person lacks authority.
Senator Recti moved to send House Bill 321 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; Senator Shippey seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor and the motion carried; no opposed votes were recorded.
