AN ACT relating to forcible entry and detainer.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gerald Neal

SB 83 updates eviction procedures, notices, and enforcement to regulate forcible entry and detainer actions, aiming to balance landlord remedies with tenant protections.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#civilactions #civilprocedure #courts #district #landlordandtenant

Summary of SB 83 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

SB 83 is an act relating to forcible entry and detainer. The bill appears to address procedures, standards, and remedies related to eviction proceedings and related enforcement activities within the state. The overarching aim is to regulate the process by which a landlord may seek to regain possession of property from a tenant or occupant, and to clarify the roles of courts and enforcement officials in enforcing eviction orders.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated scope)

Eviction proceedings framework: The bill likely revises or codifies procedures for initiating, processing, and resolving forcible entry and detainer actions. This can include timelines for filings, required notices to tenants, and standards for court consideration.

Notice and deadline requirements: Provisions may set specific notice periods that must be provided to tenants prior to filing an eviction action, as well as deadlines for court hearings or for responses from tenants.

Judicial remedies and relief: The act may specify available remedies for landlords (e.g., writs of possession) and for tenants (e.g., defenses or counters to eviction). It could also outline grounds for eviction and permissible defenses.

Enforcement mechanisms: The bill could establish procedures for the enforcement of eviction judgments, potentially including the issuance and execution of writs of possession by law enforcement or sheriff’s deputies.

Protection and due process safeguards: There may be provisions aimed at ensuring due process for tenants, including possible extensions, emergency relief, or clarifications to prevent unlawful dispossessions.

Fees and costs: Any changes to filing fees, court costs, or the allocation of costs between landlords and tenants may be included.

Interaction with local ordinances and programs: The act might address how state provisions interact with local housing codes, moratoriums, or court-backed mediation programs, if applicable.

Who would be affected

Landlords and property owners: Those seeking to regain possession of rental units would be directly affected by procedural changes, notice requirements, and enforcement methods.

Tenants and occupants: Renters facing eviction would be subject to updated notice timelines, defenses, and potential protections designed to safeguard housing stability or ensure fair process.

Courts and law enforcement: Judicial offices handling evictions and sheriff or police departments enforcing writs of possession would implement the revised procedures.

Property managers and housing providers: Entities managing rental properties may experience changes in administrative requirements and timelines.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introductory status: As of the action history, SB 83 was introduced in the Senate on 2026-01-13 and referred to the Committee on Committees (S), indicating early-stage consideration.

Next steps: The bill would proceed through standard committee review, potential amendments, and eventual votes in the Senate, before moving to the House (if approved) and progressing through the legislative process. Final enactment would require signature by the Governor and publication.

Notes

The available information reflects the bill’s title and introductory action; specific text is not provided here. Details such as exact statutory changes, numerical thresholds (e.g., notice periods, filing fees), and defined terms would be found in the bill’s text as acted upon by committee and during floor consideration.