HB182 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig LipscombRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Property; provides the owner of a dwelling with a method to request the removal of an unauthorized individual
Summary: HB182 creates a sworn affidavit process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants from a dwelling and requires police to remove them within 24 hours.
What This Bill Does
The owner or the owner's agent can file a sworn affidavit with a local law enforcement agency stating an unauthorized person is in the dwelling and not a tenant. After verification and at least 24 hours have passed, police must serve an immediate-vacate notice and may arrest the occupant for trespass, burglary, or related crimes. The process targets squatters (not legitimate tenants) and operates separately from eviction proceedings. The measure also adds penalties for false affidavits, allows a processing fee by the agency, and updates related crimes to support the new framework; it becomes effective June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Property owners or their agents who own a dwelling and want to remove unauthorized occupants using the affidavit method.
Unauthorized occupants (squatters) living in a dwelling without a lease or tenant authorization (not including tenants) who could be removed within 24 hours and may face criminal or civil consequences.

Key Provisions
Creates a sworn affidavit process to remove an unauthorized occupant by filing with local law enforcement in the dwelling's county.
Requires the affiant to prove ownership or authorized agency, that the occupant is unauthorized and not a tenant, and that there is no pending litigation.
Law enforcement must verify the affiant and, after at least 24 hours, issue a notice to vacate and may arrest the occupant for trespass, burglary, theft, or other crimes.
Defines 'squatter' and states occupancy by a squatter is not covered by eviction actions under Chapters 9/9A of Title 35; squatters can be removed without eviction proceedings.
Imposes civil liability for false affidavits, allowing damages, penalties, costs, and attorney fees; authorizes a civil action for wrongful removal.
Authorizes a processing fee by law enforcement up to $50 for handling affidavits.
Makes amendments to burglary in the third degree, perjury in the second degree, and fraudulent sale or lease of residential property to align with the new process.
Effective date: June 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Property & Estates