Louisiana House Bill HB895

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/3/24

Caption

Provides relative to the removal of unauthorized persons from residential immovable property (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

The proposal aims to amend existing state laws related to property and criminal mischief, making it easier for property owners to maintain control over their assets. By introducing a Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Immovable Property form and expediting the verification and removal process, the bill intensively focuses on protecting property owners' rights. It places an emphasis on quick action from law enforcement upon verification of the property owner's complaint to restore possession, which proponents argue will also help deter theft and vandalism associated with unlawful occupations.

Summary

House Bill 895 seeks to provide a streamlined process for property owners in Louisiana to remove unauthorized persons from residential immovable property. This bill formalizes the procedures by which property owners or their authorized agents can request law enforcement to remove occupants who do not have the right to reside in a property. HB 895 lays down specific conditions that must be met for removal, including the necessity that the property was not open to the public at the time of unlawful entry and that the offenders are neither tenants nor family members of the owner, thus safeguarding genuine ownership rights and expediting the process of reclaiming property.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 895 appears to tilt towards support among property owners and landlords who perceive the bill as a necessary tool for protecting their interests and rights. Supporters include some legislators who emphasize the importance of property rights in a free society. However, concerns have been raised about the potential implications this will have on tenant rights, especially regarding wrongful removal processes and the adequacy of protections for individuals who may be mistakenly classified as unauthorized occupants. Therefore, the discussions surrounding the bill are marked by a clear friction between the rights of property owners and the protections needed for tenants.

Contention

Notably, the main contention surrounding HB 895 involves the balance between expediting the eviction process for property owners while ensuring due process for occupants. Critics argue that the mechanism for immediate removal could lead to unjust evictions and a lack of recourse for those wrongfully removed. The inclusion of the ability for a person harmed by wrongful removal to seek damages may mitigate some concerns, but the swift nature of the removal process itself is still under scrutiny as it might infringe upon individuals' rights. Overall, the legislation reveals a complex dialogue about civil rights, property ownership, and the role of law enforcement in resolving residential disputes.