HF 2317 Iowa House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act relating to real property, including the removal of unauthorized persons and trespass, and providing penalties.

HF 2317, nicknamed the "Stop Squatters Act," creates a new process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants without court involvement. It allows owners or their agents to submit a complaint to police (in cities) or sheriffs (outside cities) if the occupant was notified they couldn’t be there, isn’t a tenant or family member, and no legal dispute exists. Law enforcement must investigate and order the occupant to leave immediately, with the occupant liable for an hourly fee for the service. The bill also adds criminal penalties: trespassing after being told to leave with $1,000 or less in property damage is a simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days jail, $855 fine), while over $1,000 in damage is a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $2,560 fine).
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Feb 6, 2026
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1
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Committee
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Feb 6, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, referred to Judiciary.
lower
7 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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