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Bill > HB1049

AR HB1049

AR HB1049
To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Criminal Offenses; And To Criminalize Unlawful Squatting.

summary

Introduced
11/21/2024
In Committee
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
02/10/2025
Passed
02/27/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/04/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CRIMINAL OFFENSES; TO CRIMINALIZE UNLAWFUL SQUATTING; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill amends Arkansas law to establish a comprehensive legal framework for addressing unlawful squatting, creating new criminal penalties and definitions for unauthorized occupation of property. The legislation defines "unlawful squatting" as entering and residing in a premises without permission, specifically when a person is not a current tenant, lacks a valid occupancy agreement, and is not an immediate family member of the property owner. To be charged with unlawful squatting, an individual must knowingly enter a premises without authorization, remain on the property after being directed to leave, and be unable to produce documentation proving legal right to occupy the space, such as a deed, lease agreement, or recent rent receipt. The bill introduces escalating penalties for repeat offenses, starting with a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, advancing to a Class A misdemeanor for a second offense, and becoming a Class D felony for a third offense. Additionally, the bill provides property owners with a private cause of action to seek damages and legal fees, and includes provisions making it a Class D felony to provide false documentation to justify unauthorized occupation. Law enforcement is also granted immunity when acting in good faith in response to unlawful squatting reports, which can only be filed by property owners or their authorized representatives.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (60)

Ron Caldwell (R)*,  Brian Evans (R)*,  Dwight Tosh (R)*,  Wade Andrews (R),  Sonia Barker (R),  Howard Beaty (R),  Rick Beck (R),  Mary Bentley (R),  Stan Berry (R),  Keith Brooks (R),  Karilyn Brown (R),  Matt Brown (R),  Rebecca Burkes (R),  Joey Carr (R),  John Carr (R),  Fran Cavenaugh (R),  Paul Childress (R),  Cameron Cooper (R),  Bruce Cozart (R),  Cindy Crawford (R),  Matt Duffield (R),  Hope Duke (R),  Les Eaves (R),  Tony Furman (R),  Justin Gonzales (R),  Zack Gramlich (R),  R.J. Hawk (R),  Mike Holcomb (R),  Steve Hollowell (R),  Lane Jean (R),  Lee Johnson (R),  Jack Ladyman (R),  Wayne Long (R),  Robin Lundstrum (R),  Roger Lynch (R),  John Maddox (R),  Julie Mayberry (R),  Mindy McAlindon (R),  Rick McClure (R),  Mark McElroy (R),  Richard McGrew (R),  Ron McNair (R),  Stephen Meeks (R),  Jon Milligan (R),  Jeremiah Moore (R),  Stetson Painter (R),  Shad Pearce (R),  Chad Puryear (R),  David Ray (R),  Scott Richardson (R),  Marcus Richmond (R),  Johnny Rye (R),  Bart Schulz (R),  Matthew Shepherd (R),  Trey Steimel (R),  Steve Unger (R),  DeAnn Vaught (R),  Steven Walker (R),  Les Warren (R),  Jim Wooten (R), 

Last Action

Notification that HB1049 is now Act 238 (on 03/04/2025)

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