Criminal Law - Fraud - Possession of Residential Real Property

HB 154 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently possess or claim ownership of residential property without lawful right, with penalties including fines up to $2,500 or jail time up to one year for repeat offenses. It allows property owners to file a sworn affidavit with a sheriff to remove someone they claim is fraudulently occupying the property, but officers must halt removal if the occupant shows evidence of lawful possession. The law explicitly does not block owners from pursuing standard civil lawsuits for unlawful occupation (wrongful detainer). It includes exemptions for occupants with court-ordered possession or existing legal remedies under Maryland's real property laws.