Bill > HB4846

This bill provides a new legal procedure for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (sometimes referred to as "squatters") from residential properties. The bill allows property owners to submit a detailed, verified complaint to the county sheriff that includes 13 specific statements affirming their ownership, the unauthorized nature of the occupancy, and their attempts to remove the occupants. Upon verifying the complaint, the sheriff is required to serve an immediate notice to vacate to the occupants and help the property owner regain possession of the property. The sheriff may also attempt to verify the identities of occupants and potentially arrest them for trespassing. The property owner can request the sheriff to stand by while changing locks and removing the occupants' personal property, though the owner is not liable for damage to that property unless the removal is deemed wrongful. The bill includes protections for occupants by allowing them to bring a civil action if they believe they were wrongfully removed, potentially recovering damages, and it does not limit law enforcement's ability to arrest occupants for other potential criminal activities. The bill is officially known as the "safeguarding homeownership and interests through eviction law development (SHIELD) act" and amends existing Michigan law regarding property possession and eviction procedures.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4846