SB 3951

Abstract

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is a deceptive practice for a person to knowingly represent that he or she is the owner or agent of residential property for the purpose of entering into a lease agreement with another or to collect a security deposit, move-in fee, or rent from another. Specifies that a violation of that requirement is a Class 4 felony. Authorizes the award of actual damages and punitive damages in an amount no less than 2 times the actual damages. Provides that it is a criminal trespass to a residence for a person, without authority, to knowingly enter or remain within a residence that the person knows is the primary residence of another. Makes a violation of that requirement a Class 4 felony. Provides that nothing in the Eviction Article of the Code of Civil Procedure may be construed to prohibit law enforcement officials from (i) enforcing criminal trespass to real property or any other provision of the Criminal Code of 2012; or (ii) removing persons or property from the premises when there is a criminal trespass. Defines illegal possession of property in the Criminal Code of 2012.