House panel considers H.21 to let any county sheriff serve writs of possession

The House Judiciary Committee on Oct. 12 heard testimony on H.21, a bill that would change how writs of possession are served after courts order removal of an occupant. Eric Fitzpatrick, legislative counsel with the Office of Legislative Council, told the committee the proposal would "permit any sheriff to serve a writ of possession after the court has issued it."

The measure seeks to address delays and practical problems that occur when the statute directs the writ to the sheriff of the county where the property is located. "Currently the statute directs the sheriff of the county in which the property or a portion thereof is located," Fitzpatrick said, noting the bill would remove that geographic restriction.

Proponents said the change aims to make post-ejectment enforcement more efficient. Amber Thibault, an attorney with Bauer Gravel Farnham who represents landlords, told the committee that since the COVID-19 pandemic eviction-related filings have risen and that execution of writs…