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House committee advances landlord-tenant tweak to allow payment options, strengthen trespass removal
Summary
HB 800, sponsored by Representative Shannon Maness, would exempt invited non-tenants from the Landlord-Tenant Act and require law enforcement to remove trespassers in some cases; the bill drew strong support from landlord groups and concern from members about process and court timelines, but it passed out of committee in executive action.
Representative Shannon Maness described HB 800 as clarifying the Landlord-Tenant Act to protect owners who invite guests and to make removal of unauthorized occupants more straightforward by changing some dispositions from 'may' to 'must.' "Page 2, lines 8 through 11 ... now they will be subject to prosecution for criminal trespass," Maness said as she outlined the changes.
Supporters including the Montana Landlord Association said the bill addresses practical difficulties landlords face when a non-tenant refuses to leave after being asked and when law enforcement previously declined to remove unauthorized guests. John Sinrude said judges and law enforcement had been sending owners through civil eviction when immediate removal would be more appropriate.
Representatives on the committee raised questions about the interplay with civil eviction process and the timing of damages hearings; sponsors said the bill targets people without rental agreements and includes protections such as court adjudication for abandoned property.
In executive action the committee moved HB 800 do pass (roll-call recorded as 12 yes, 8 no). The measure advances with supporters framing it as giving landlords needed tools and critics warning about potential overreach into court processes.
