Bill > HB400

This bill modifies Missouri law to provide a streamlined legal process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants from private noncommercial property. The bill establishes a procedure where property owners can file a verified petition with the court to quickly obtain an ex parte order for removing unlawful occupants who are not tenants, guests, or immediate family members. The court can immediately issue an order to remove such occupants if the property owner demonstrates they did not provide permission for the occupancy and the property was not open to the public when the occupants entered. The bill allows property owners to seek additional protections, such as restraining orders preventing the occupants from returning or communicating with the property owner, and requires the local sheriff to enforce the order and remove the occupants. The legislation also provides a mechanism for occupants to seek civil remedies if they believe they were wrongfully removed, allowing them to potentially recover damages and seek restored possession. Importantly, the bill broadens the scope of the existing law by removing specific references to residential dwellings and applying the provisions more generally to private noncommercial property, while maintaining protections against potential abuse by requiring specific conditions to be met before an order can be issued.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB400&year=2025&code=R