Bill > SB0292

This bill creates a streamlined legal process for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants from commercial real property in Tennessee. The bill allows property owners or their authorized agents to request the immediate removal of unlawful occupants by filing a detailed complaint with the county sheriff, provided several specific conditions are met. These conditions include: the property must be a commercial property not open to the public, the unauthorized person is not a current or former tenant, not an immediate family member of the owner, and there is no pending litigation related to the property. The sheriff is required to verify the complaint and, if approved, serve a notice to vacate and remove the occupants, potentially even arresting them for trespassing if appropriate. The bill provides protections for property owners, limiting their liability for property removal, while also offering recourse for wrongfully removed occupants through a civil action that could result in restoration of possession and monetary damages. Importantly, the bill does not prevent law enforcement from pursuing criminal charges for trespassing or other offenses, and it is designed to help property owners quickly regain control of their commercial properties while preventing potential criminal activity. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0292&ga=114