Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case; contested rent and damages. Provides that, at an initial hearing on an unlawful detainer, if the defendant contests the amount of rent and damages alleged to be due and owing to the plaintiff, the court shall not bifurcate the unlawful detainer case. Under current law, at the initial hearing, upon request of the plaintiff, the court is required to bifurcate the unlawful detainer case and set a continuance date no later than 120 days from the date of the initial hearing to determine final rent and damages.

Statutes affected:
House: Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24100727D: 8.01-128
House: Committee substitute printed 24107031D-H1: 8.01-128
House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB740ER): 8.01-128