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 verified, serve a notice to vacate to the unlawful occupants, facilitating the owner's possession of the property.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 5714 by clarifying 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 the sheriff is entitled to a fee for serving the notice to vacate and outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of both the sheriff and the property owner regarding the removal of personal property from the premises. The act is titled the "Safeguarding Homeownership and Interests Through Eviction Law Development (SHIELD) Act."

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.5714