IA HF2317

Creates the "Stop Squatters Act" providing property owners a streamlined process to remove unauthorized occupants by filing a complaint with local police (city) or county sheriff (outside city limits)

Requires law enforcement to investigate complaints by reviewing alleged lease agreements, interviewing neighbors, and making relevant inquiries before ordering immediate removal of unauthorized occupants

Excludes current or former tenants with rights under Iowa landlord-tenant law (chapters 562A or 562B), immediate family members of the property owner, and situations with pending litigation from the expedited removal process

Establishes that intentionally occupying a building without legal authority after being notified and asked to leave constitutes trespass, punishable as a simple misdemeanor ($1,000 or less in damages) or serious misdemeanor (over $1,000 in damages)

Assesses hourly service fees to unauthorized occupants as a civil penalty and requires property owners who knowingly file false complaints to indemnify law enforcement for any resulting damages