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SB 825

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don Harmon

SB 825 establishes a mediation program to resolve landlord-tenant disputes before court, promoting housing stability and easing judicial system burdens.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 825

Summary of SB 825: Relating to Eviction Mediation

Purpose and Intent

SB 825 aims to establish a framework for eviction mediation in order to provide a more amicable resolution process between landlords and tenants prior to litigation. The bill seeks to reduce the number of eviction cases that proceed to court by encouraging mediation as a first step, thereby alleviating the burden on the judiciary system and promoting housing stability.

Key Provisions

  • Prelitigation Mediation Pilot Program: The bill establishes a pilot program for prelitigation mediation, which will facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants before any formal eviction proceedings are initiated.
  • Funding Appropriations: The bill includes appropriations to support the implementation of the mediation program, ensuring that necessary resources are available for effective operation.
  • Reporting Requirements: The bill mandates that a report be submitted detailing the outcomes of the mediation efforts, including statistics on successful resolutions and any recommendations for future improvements.
  • Summary Possession: The legislation addresses the process of summary possession, aiming to streamline procedures and clarify the roles of both landlords and tenants during mediation.

Affected Parties

  • Landlords: The bill provides landlords with an alternative to court proceedings, potentially reducing legal costs and time associated with evictions.
  • Tenants: Tenants will benefit from the opportunity to resolve disputes without the stress and consequences of formal eviction processes, promoting housing stability.
  • Judiciary System: By reducing the number of eviction cases that reach the courts, the bill aims to alleviate pressure on the judicial system, allowing it to focus on other pressing matters.

Procedural Aspects and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Final Passage: The bill passed its final reading in the House on April 30, 2025, and was subsequently enrolled to the Governor on May 2, 2025.
  • Governor's Approval: The bill was signed into law as Act 278 on July 2, 2025.

Conclusion

SB 825 represents a significant step towards improving the eviction process in the state by promoting mediation as a viable alternative to litigation. By fostering communication between landlords and tenants, the bill aims to enhance housing stability and reduce the strain on the judicial system. The implementation of the prelitigation mediation pilot program will be closely monitored, with reports to assess its effectiveness and inform future legislative actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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