SB 2307 Summary

• Authorizes property owners to request immediate removal of unlawful occupants from residential or commercial buildings by filing a verified complaint with the county sheriff, provided the property was not open to the public and the occupant is not a tenant or family member.

• Requires sheriffs to verify ownership and serve a notice to vacate without delay; sheriffs may collect the same fee as for serving a writ of possession and may arrest occupants for trespass or other crimes.

• Allows property owners to request sheriff remain on-site while changing locks and removing occupants' personal property to the property line; provides liability protection for sheriff and property owner unless removal is wrongful.

• Creates civil cause of action for wrongful removal with damages equal to triple the fair market rent plus actual costs, attorney fees, and court costs, with expedited court review.

• Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-17-67 to classify unlawful detention, occupation, or trespass of another's real property as malicious mischief with escalating penalties based on property value.

• Creates misdemeanor for knowingly presenting false lease or deed documents to unlawfully occupy property and felony for listing, advertising, or leasing property without legal authority to do so.