summary
Introduced
01/19/2024
01/19/2024
In Committee
03/01/2024
03/01/2024
Crossed Over
02/06/2024
02/06/2024
Passed
03/09/2024
03/09/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/22/2024
04/22/2024
Introduced Session
2024 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; by adding thereto a new section, designated as §37-6-31; and to amend said Code by adding thereto a new article, designated as §55-3C-1 and §55-3C-2; all relating to squatting and the remedies therefor; defining a term; clarifying that squatting is a wrongful occupation of property; excluding squatting from the provisions of certain sections of Code; providing that petition and eviction are not appropriate remedies to remove squatters from property; defining terms; providing that squatters are not tenants; noting that squatting is the same as trespass; and providing that petition and eviction are not appropriate remedies to remove squatters from property.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that squatting, which is the unauthorized occupation of a property, is not considered a tenancy and is instead a form of criminal trespass. The bill excludes squatting from the provisions of West Virginia's landlord-tenant law, and it specifies that courts cannot require the use of eviction procedures to remove squatters. Instead, the appropriate remedy is the arrest of the squatter for trespassing on the property.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Kathie Crouse (R)*,
Laura Kimble (R),
Patrick Lucas (R),
Mickey Petitto (R),
Doug Smith (R),
Diana Winzenreid (R),
Last Action
Chapter 251, Acts, Regular Session, 2024 (on 04/22/2024)
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