SCS/SB 168 - This act modifies provisions relating to the removal of persons unlawfully occupying property with a residential dwelling through ex parte orders. Specifically, it applies such provisions to property containing a commercial vacant building or property exclusively consisting of vacant land. Additionally, hearings for the ex parte orders shall be held within twenty-four hours, rather than forty-eight hours, of the filing of the verified petition. Furthermore, this act includes procedures for verified petitions filed on evenings, holidays, or weekends. A violation of an ex parte order for removal of persons unlawfully occupying property covered by this act shall be a class E felony, instead of class A misdemeanor. Additionally, this act provides that the offense of criminal mischief for unlawful detention, occupation, or trespass upon a residential dwelling, commercial vacant building, or vacant land shall be a class E felony, instead of class A misdemeanor.
This act is similar to the perfected HB 2896 (2024) and SS/HB 2062 (2024).
KATIE O'BRIEN