The Missouri House has passed legislation it says will protect property rights against squatters. House Bill 2062 prohibits counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions from implementing eviction bans unless permitted by state law. The bill awaits Governor Mike Parson’s signature.
It amends Missouri trespassing laws to broaden the definition to include unauthorized entry and refusal to vacate vacant properties or structures. Persons could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.
The legislation also establishes a mechanism for the swift removal of unlawful occupants from residential properties similar to restraining orders. It allows for the immediate removal of trespassers via ex parte court orders, followed by a full protection order hearing.
The law differentiates between squatters and lawful tenants, safeguarding the latter under the “unlawful detainer” statutes. Property owners must affirm that they have not leased the property to an unlawful occupant, with false affidavits subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
The bill also clarifies definitions of “vacant real property” and “vacant structure” and provides protections for law enforcement officers acting in good faith while enforcing trespassing laws.
Other provisions include:
–The “Protecting Missouri Small Businesses Act,” which supports businesses affected by emergency shutdowns by waiving fees, providing property tax relief, and mandating consideration of shutdown impacts.
–The Land Bank Act establishes nonprofit land banks to combat blight.
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