AN ACT CONCERNING THE AWARD OF REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S FEES BY THE COURT IN ENTRY AND DETAINER CASES.

This bill allows courts to order the losing party in forcible entry and detainer cases to pay reasonable attorney's fees to the winning party. It directly affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings where property was forcibly entered, detained, or damaged. The key provision requires judges to award attorney's fees when they find that forcible entry occurred, damage was caused, or regaining possession would require breaking the peace. The law also permits courts to award double damages along with attorney's fees in specific civil actions related to these types of property disputes. These changes take effect on October 1, 2026.