summary
Introduced
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
Passed
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create The "real Property Owners Protection Act"; To Define Squatting; To Outline The Process To Remove A Squatter; To Provide A Form For The Summons To The Alleged Squatter; To Prescribe The Procedure For The Hearing To Determine Whether A Person Is A Squatter; To Require A Warrant Of Removal For Squatters; To Provide Penalties For False Complaints Of Squatting; To Amend Sections 89-8-3 And 89-8-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Provisions Of Law That Regulate Landlord Tenant Agreements To This Act; To Amend Section 95-5-29, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise When Actions For Forgery Can Be Brought; To Amend Section 95-5-25, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Increase The Penalties For Intentionally Setting Fire To Lands; To Provide That Any Squatter Who Commits Trespass For Any Period Of Time Without The Authority Of The Owner Shall Not Accrue Rights To The Property; To Provide That The Right To Manage, Control Or Receive Payments For Any Use Of Real Property Shall Only Belong To The Owner Of The Property Or A Person Designated By The Owner For Such Purposes; To Provide Additional Remedies To Land Owners By Authorizing An Amount Equal To The Value Lost To The Owner For Any Rental, Mortgage Or Lease Fees The Owner Could Have Charged During A Trespasser's Failure To Exit As A Required Addition To Any Fines; To Provide Definitions For Such Act; To Amend Section 97-17-103, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Limitation Of Liability Of Landowners To Trespassers By Including Squatters; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "Real Property Owners Protection Act" to provide a comprehensive legal framework for addressing squatting in Mississippi. The bill defines a squatter as a trespasser who remains on a property without the owner's consent, either by entering unauthorized or by staying after a tenant's rental agreement ends. The legislation outlines a streamlined process for property owners to remove squatters, which includes filing a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement, who must then issue a citation to the alleged squatter within 24 hours. The squatter must either vacate the property within 24 hours or request a court hearing within three days. If a hearing is requested, the court must determine whether the person is a squatter within seven days, using a preponderance of evidence standard. If found to be a squatter, the individual must vacate the property within 24 hours, with potential for an even shorter timeframe in emergency situations. The bill also introduces criminal penalties for those who falsely claim property rights, including potential fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the legislation amends existing laws to clarify that squatters do not have the same rights as tenants and to provide property owners with more robust legal protections against unauthorized occupancy. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to give property owners a more efficient and clear legal mechanism to reclaim their property from unauthorized occupants.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (14)
Kevin Felsher (R)*,
Jill Ford (R)*,
Stephanie Foster (D)*,
Clay Mansell (R)*,
Jonathan McMillan (R)*,
Gene Newman (R)*,
Brent Powell (R)*,
Noah Sanford (R)*,
Fred Shanks (R)*,
Lance Varner (R)*,
Price Wallace (R)*,
Lee Yancey (R)*,
Shanda Yates (I)*,
Hank Zuber (R)*,
Last Action
Approved by Governor (on 04/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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