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House codifies eviction notice and tenant-protection steps; landlords to handle property removal, sheriffs to maintain peace
Summary
HB80 establishes a statutory process for disposition of tenant property during evictions, assigning the sheriff a role to keep the peace while landlords handle removal, and adds notice protections; members and law-enforcement speakers praised the bill and it passed as substituted.
Representative Butler explained HB80 as a codification and clarification of eviction practices that many counties had been following administratively. The bill requires the landlord (not the sheriff) to inventory, remove and dispose of tenant property while authorizing the sheriff, constable or designated process server to keep the peace during execution of an eviction.
Members including a former sheriff and property managers said the bill fills a statutory gap and protects both tenants (by requiring notice of disposition and reasonable opportunity to retrieve property) and law-enforcement officers (by clarifying immunity and duties). Floor amendments added a special process‑server category and clarified calendar‑day timing and immunity language; the substitute was adopted and final passage was approved by recorded vote.
Representative Butler said the change reflects long-standing practice in many counties and codifies protections for tenants who may otherwise find property left on sidewalks without notice.
