Senate Bill 2307

AN ACT TO ENACT THE "STOP SQUATTERS ACT"; TO STATE LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF REAL PROPERTY OWNERS; TO AUTHORIZE AN OWNER OF REAL PROPERTY TO REQUEST FROM THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE REAL PROPERTY IS LOCATED THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF A PERSON OR PERSONS UNLAWFULLY OCCUPYING A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED ON THE REAL PROPERTY IF CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET; TO REQUIRE THE PROPERTY OWNER TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE REAL PROPERTY IS LOCATED; TO REQUIRE A SHERIFF, UPON RECEIPT OF A COMPLAINT, TO VERIFY THAT THE COMPLAINANT IS THE OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY AND APPEARS ENTITLED TO THE RELIEF SOUGHT; TO REQUIRE THE SHERIFF TO IMMEDIATELY SERVE A NOTICE TO VACATE ON ALL THE UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS AND PUT THE OWNER IN POSSESSION OF THE REAL PROPERTY; TO AUTHORIZE A FEE FOR THE SHERIFF'S SERVICE OF THE NOTICE; TO AUTHORIZE THE PROPERTY OWNER TO REQUEST THE SHERIFF REMAIN AT THE REAL PROPERTY TO KEEP THE PEACE WHILE THE PROPERTY OWNER CHANGES THE LOCKS AND REMOVES THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS FROM THE PREMISES TO OR NEAR THE PROPERTY LINE; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM LIABILITY FOR THE SHERIFF AND THE PROPERTY OWNER; TO AUTHORIZE A PERSON TO BRING A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION FOR WRONGFUL REMOVAL UNDER THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE A FORM COMPLAINT; TO AMEND SECTION 97-17-67, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO DETAINS, OCCUPIES OR TRESPASSES ANY REAL PROPERTY OF ANOTHER SHALL BE GUILTY OF MALICIOUS MISCHIEF; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO, WITH INTENT TO DETAIN OR REMAIN UPON REAL PROPERTY, KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY PRESENTS TO ANOTHER PERSON A FALSE DOCUMENT PURPORTING TO BE A VALID LEASE AGREEMENT, DEED OR OTHER INSTRUMENT CONVEYING REAL PROPERTY RIGHTS COMMITS A MISDEMEANOR; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO LISTS OR ADVERTISES REAL PROPERTY FOR SALE KNOWING THAT THE PURPORTED SELLER HAS NO LEGAL TITLE OR AUTHORITY TO SELL THE PROPERTY, OR RENTS OR LEASES THE REAL PROPERTY TO ANOTHER PERSON KNOWING THAT HE OR SHE HAS NO LAWFUL OWNERSHIP IN THE PROPERTY OR LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, COMMITS A FELONY; TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

In the Senate

• Josh Harkins

  Sponsor

l9n doesn't hold this bill's text yet.

In the Senate Jan 20 – Feb 4

1. Jan 20Referred to the Senate committees on Judiciary, Division A and on Judiciary, Division B
2. Feb 4Died in committee in the Senate