SB 1732 - This act modifies provisions relating to the removal of persons unlawfully occupying property with a residential dwelling through ex parte orders and the offense of criminal mischief. Specifically, this act changes "residential dwelling" to "private noncommerical property" as it relates to such provisions. As it relates to the provision regarding the ex parte order of removal, this act defines the term "authorized agent" to include executors, administrators, trustees, and verified heirs. This act also provides that the property owner, after the sheriff serves the order of removal, may remove the property, rather than just personal property, of the unlawful occupant without liability for damages unless the removal was wrongful. This act is identical to provisions in the perfected HCS/HB 2517 (2026) and HCS/HB 2099 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Curtis Trent

SB 1732 modifies Missouri's unlawful real property use laws, but specific amendments require full bill text to assess impact on property owners, tenants, and enforcement.

Second Read and Referred S General Laws Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1732 modifies Missouri's laws governing unlawful use of real property, though the specific amendments are not detailed in the available information. The bill was introduced by Senator Curtis Trent and received its first reading on February 25, 2026. Without access to the full bill text, the precise nature of these modifications cannot be determined.

Why this is important

Property law modifications can significantly affect property owners, tenants, landlords, and local governments by changing what constitutes unlawful property use and enforcement mechanisms. These changes could impact housing markets, eviction procedures, squatting prevention, or criminal liability for various property-related offenses depending on the specific provisions modified.

Potential points of contention

Scope of "unlawful use" definition – Unclear whether this expands or restricts what activities qualify as unlawful, affecting both property rights and enforcement

Eviction and tenant protections – Changes could shift the balance between landlord removal rights and tenant due process protections

Criminal versus civil remedies – The bill may alter penalties or enforcement approaches, affecting both severity and accessibility of remedies for property owners