House Bill 966 Summary

• Creates expedited removal process allowing property owners or authorized representatives to remove unauthorized persons from residential property through magistrate court proceedings, with hearings held within 12-48 hours of service and removal orders executed within 2-8 hours.

• Requires property owner to provide at least 4 hours notice to quit before initiating removal proceedings and establishes specific grounds for removal, excluding current tenants and persons with legal ownership claims.

• Sets minimum $1,000 appeal bond for unauthorized persons seeking to appeal removal orders, with amount based on estimated rent and property damages during appeal period.

• Increases penalties for willful and wanton damage to residential property to a Class H felony if damages exceed $1,000, effective December 1, 2024.

• Creates new Class H felony for fraudulently renting or leasing residential property without lawful ownership and Class I felony for fraudulently advertising residential property for rent, lease, or sale without legal authority, effective December 1, 2024.