HB845
Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case, contested rent and damages.
Status:
Passed
Latest Action:
March 11, 2026
Senate: Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Chief Patron:
Rae Cousins (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case; contested rent and damages.
Provides that, at an initial hearing on an unlawful detainer, if the defendant contests the amount of rent and damages alleged to be due and owing to the plaintiff, the court shall not bifurcate the unlawful detainer case. Under current law, at the initial hearing, upon request of the plaintiff, ... (More) the court is required to bifurcate the unlawful detainer case and set a continuance date no later than 120 days from the date of the initial hearing to determine final rent and damages. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/13/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101054D
- 01/13/2026 - House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 02/02/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB845)
- 02/02/2026 - House: Assigned HCJ sub: Civil
- 02/02/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 02/04/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)
- 02/10/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 02/11/2026 - House: Reported from Courts of Justice (22-Y 0-N)
- 02/13/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/16/2026 - House: Read second time and engrossed
- 02/17/2026 - House: Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar
- 02/17/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (74-Y 23-N 0-A)
- 02/18/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- 02/18/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 03/09/2026 - Senate: Reported from Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N)
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Rules suspended
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
- 03/11/2026 - Senate: Read third time
- 03/11/2026 - Senate: Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A) Close Floor Vote
