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Minutes for HB2378 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Establishing the removal of squatters act, providing a procedure to remove a squatter from a dwelling unit, requiring owners or agents of dwelling units to provide an affidavit to the county sheriff, requiring notice to vacate by the sheriff, establishing the crime of providing a false affidavit and establishing a civil cause of action for wrongful removal of a person from a dwelling unit, allowing attorney fees and punitive damages.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 17, 2025
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on HB2378.
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 1)
Representative Will Carpenter, Kansas House of Representatives, 75th District, provided testimony in strong support of the bill. He stated property owners across the nation are struggling with this epidemic. (Attachment 2)
Mark Tomb, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Kansas Association of Realtors, stands in support of this bill. He states this legislation is focused on removing individuals that lack a legal connection to a property while not interfering with landlord-tenant relations or family disputes. By removing squatters, we are not only ensuring that the property is returned to its rightful owner, but also reducing the dangers posed to both those living in such conditions and the neighboring residents. (Attachment 3)
Sheriff Jeff Easter, Kansas Sheriffs' Association Legislative Chair, provided proponent testimony on the bill. They suggested some amendments to the bill, and want to thank the House committee for incorporating their suggestions into the bill. (Attachment 4)
Kileen Lindgren, Legal Policy Manager, Pacific Legal Foundation, provided testimony in support of this bill. She states this bill makes crucial reforms to ensure that law enforcement has the authority to remove unlawful occupants swiftly. (Attachment 5)
Proponent, written testimony was submitted by the following:
- Elizabeth Patton, Kansas State Director, Americans for Prosperity Kansas (Attachment 6)
- Chief Darrell Atteberry, Legislative Committee Chair, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (Attachment 7)
Proponent conferees stood for questions.
Rebekah conferees stood for questions.
Rebekah Gaston, Kansas Attorney, provided neutral testimony to the bill. She provided comments on her concerns with the bill. They include 1) The overall lack of due process protections for individuals whom property owners allege are squatters, and 2) Lack of judicial remedies prior to removal. (Attachment 8)
Conferee stood for questions.
Opponent, written testimony was submitted by:
- Nathan Madden, Ph.D., Impact Strategist - Policy, Health Forward Foundation (Attachment 9)
- Dustin Hare, Economic Security Policy Advisor, Kansas Action for Children (Attachment 10)
No further conferees.
Chairwoman closed the hearing on HB2378.
