The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by adding a new section, 5712, which allows real property owners or their authorized agents to submit a verified complaint to the county sheriff for the immediate removal of unlawful occupants from residential dwellings. The complaint must include specific declarations regarding the ownership of the property, the unlawful nature of the occupancy, and the absence of any pending litigation related to the property. Upon receiving the complaint, the sheriff is required to verify the identity of the complainant and, if valid, serve a notice to vacate to the unlawful occupants, facilitating the owner's possession of the property.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 5714 to clarify the circumstances under which a person entitled to possession of premises may recover possession through summary proceedings. It includes provisions for various scenarios, such as nonpayment of rent, unlawful activities on the premises, and forcible entry. The bill also establishes that a person may bring a civil action for wrongful removal and outlines the potential liabilities for property owners and law enforcement officers involved in the removal process. The act is titled the "safeguarding homeownership and interests through eviction law development (SHIELD) act."

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.5714