The bill amends Sections 13A-7-7 and 13A-10-102 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to strengthen the legal framework surrounding property crimes, specifically targeting burglary in the third degree and perjury in the second degree. A significant insertion is the classification of unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling while causing damage of $1,000 or more as burglary in the third degree. Additionally, perjury in the second degree is redefined to include knowingly presenting false documents related to real property with the intent to civilly detain or remain on the property. Both offenses are assigned specific penalties, with burglary in the third degree classified as a Class C felony and perjury in the second degree as a Class A misdemeanor.

The bill also introduces a new crime of fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property, classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and establishes a procedure for property owners to request the removal of unauthorized individuals, or "squatters," from their dwellings through a sworn affidavit submitted to law enforcement. This affidavit must confirm the unauthorized individual's lack of tenant status and absence of pending litigation. Upon verification, law enforcement is required to serve a notice to vacate. The bill clarifies that the removal of squatters does not necessitate eviction actions and allows law enforcement to process related affidavits for a fee. It also provides immunity to law enforcement for actions taken in good faith and allows individuals harmed by wrongful removal to pursue civil action against the affiant. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024, and is exempt from certain local funding requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-7-1
Engrossed: 13A-7-7, 13A-10-102, 13A-7-7, 13A-10-102, 13A-7-1
Enrolled: 13A-7-7, 13A-10-102, 13A-7-7, 13A-10-102, 13A-7-1