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House shortens eviction timeline for criminal activity, sponsors say safeguards exist for domestic-violence cases
Summary
First substitute Senate Bill 136 shortens the process for landlords to evict tenants engaged in criminal activity from a protracted timeline to a 10-day process, according to the sponsor; lawmakers questioned domestic-violence protections and were told safeguards allow reissuing leases to non-offending tenants.
Representative Freire presented the first substitute of Senate Bill 136, describing it as streamlining the unlawful-detainer process so landlords can remove tenants who have committed crimes at or affecting the property. Sponsor said the change reduces the eviction timeline from the current 45 days up to nine months in some cases down to 10 days for criminal activity on the property.
Representative Erkhart asked about domestic-violence situations and whether the measure would protect victims. The sponsor responded that the legislation allows landlords the ability to terminate leases when perpetrators return, but also left room for a remaining good tenant to have the lease renewed or reissued in their name.
After questions and a waived summation, the House voted with the substitute receiving 54 yes votes and 19 no votes. The bill will be signed by the Speaker and referred to the Senate.
