KansasHB 23782025–2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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 department or police department , 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.

Sponsored By: Committee on Federal and State Affairs

Signed by Governor

senate committee on judiciaryhouse committee on federal and state affairs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Wrongfully removed occupants can seek compensation

People harmed by wrongful removal under this act can sue the owner or agent who filed the affidavit. They can ask to regain possession and recover actual costs and damages. They can also seek punitive damages equal to three times the property's fair market rent, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Owners gain removal process with fees

Kansas owners and authorized agents can seek removal of squatters without using the residential landlord-tenant eviction process. The process covers homes, mobile homes, and commercial property, but excludes tenants, holdover tenants, and people authorized by tenants. Owners must first deliver notice at the property demanding immediate departure and listing the receiving law enforcement agency's street address. They must file a notarized statement with law enforcement in the property's county, attaching the notice with its delivery date and time. The statement must confirm ownership or authority, unlawful entry and continued occupancy, no permission to enter, and a refused request to leave. It must also confirm that the occupant is neither a tenant or holdover tenant nor the owner's immediate family member. Law enforcement must verify ownership or agency authority and apparent eligibility, then wait at least 24 hours after receipt before serving notice to leave immediately. Officers can hand-deliver or post that notice and must try to identify all occupants and record their identities. Processing each affidavit can cost up to $50, including a lower fee or no fee. The act takes effect upon publication in the statute book.

False removal claims carry criminal penalties

Anyone who knowingly files a false affidavit with law enforcement under this removal process can face criminal charges. The offense is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

Removal claims against police face limits

Law enforcement agencies, their deputies and employees, and local governments are shielded from liability for good-faith actions or omissions under this act. Officers are also shielded from liability to unauthorized occupants or others for property loss, destruction, or damage. These protections limit claims against public agencies and officers arising from the removal process.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 306 • No: 18

House vote • 4/23/2026

Yea: 114 Nay: 8

Yes: 114 • No: 8

House vote • 4/23/2026

Yea: 39 Nay: 1

Yes: 39 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Final Action - Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 1

House vote • 3/6/2025

Final Action - Passed as amended