The bill amends the Code of Alabama to clarify the procedures and jurisdiction for local law enforcement regarding the removal of unauthorized individuals from properties. Key insertions include new definitions for terms such as "agent," "building," "power of attorney," and "premises," which replace the previous definition of "dwelling." Property owners or their agents can now request the removal of unauthorized individuals by submitting a sworn affidavit to law enforcement, which must detail the circumstances of the unauthorized occupancy. Law enforcement agencies are granted jurisdiction to enforce these removals, with established procedures for verifying the affidavit and serving notice to the unauthorized individual.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a timeline for law enforcement action, requiring them to serve notice and remove the unauthorized individual within three business days of verifying the affidavit, but only after 24 hours of receipt. It introduces a fee structure for processing affidavits, mandating that collected fees be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The terms "squatter" and "unauthorized individual" are defined as those occupying premises without entitlement under a lease or rental agreement, and such cases are excluded from the eviction processes in Chapters 9 and 9A. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, following unanimous support in the House of Representatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-9B-1, 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, 35-9B-1, 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9
Engrossed: 35-9B-1, 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, 35-9B-1, 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9