IA HF981

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

Requires law enforcement to investigate complaints by reviewing alleged lease agreements, interviewing neighbors, and making other inquiries before directing unauthorized occupants to immediately vacate

Limits the removal process to situations where the unauthorized person is not a current or former tenant, not an immediate family member of the owner, and there is no pending litigation between the parties

Allows law enforcement agencies to charge an hourly fee for services, assessed as a civil penalty against the unauthorized occupant; property owners who knowingly file false complaints must indemnify law enforcement for any resulting damages

Establishes criminal penalties for intentionally occupying property without authority after receiving notice to vacate: simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days confinement, $105-$855 fine) for damages of $1,000 or less; serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year confinement, $430-$2,560 fine) for damages exceeding $1,000