HB474 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Sections 35-9B-1, 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, and 35-9B-9 to clarify procedures for property owners to remove unauthorized individuals from premises through law enforcement.

• Property owners or their authorized agents may submit a sworn affidavit to a law enforcement agency requesting removal of unauthorized occupants, which must include elements such as proof of ownership, that the individual was not authorized, and that no pending litigation exists.

• Law enforcement must verify the affidavit within 24 hours of receipt and must serve notice to vacate and remove the unauthorized individual within three business days, with service by hand delivery or posting on the front door.

• Municipal law enforcement has sole jurisdiction to enforce the removal procedures on premises within city limits unless otherwise agreed with county law enforcement; law enforcement may charge a fee not exceeding $50 to process affidavits.

• Defines "squatter" and "unauthorized individual" as persons occupying a dwelling without authorization under a lease or rental agreement, excluding periodic tenants; removal does not require eviction action under existing landlord-tenant laws.

• Effective date: October 1, 2025.