H1070 - Property Rights and Protections

• Establishes that the small claims appeal period begins when a judgment is rendered rather than when it is entered, effective October 1, 2025.

• Requires written findings of indigency when authorizing appellants to appeal as indigents in small claims cases, and modifies the criteria for plaintiffs to dismiss summary ejectment appeals, effective October 1, 2024.

• Requires the clerk of superior court to disburse rental payments and undertaking funds within five business days of written request by the plaintiff in summary ejectment cases.

• Increases punishment for willful and wanton damage to residential real property valued at $500 or more from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class I felony, effective December 1, 2024.

• Creates new Class H and Class I felonies for fraudulently renting, leasing, or advertising residential real property without lawful ownership or authority to sell, effective December 1, 2024.