Bill > HB142

This bill addresses squatting and property rights in Kentucky by making several key changes to existing law. First, it defines a "squatter" as someone who enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling or commercial building without permission, ownership, or a prior rental agreement. The bill allows property owners or their authorized agents to request law enforcement to immediately remove squatters under specific conditions, such as having directed the squatter to leave and providing a recorded statement proving ownership. Additionally, the bill provides criminal and civil immunity to peace officers acting in good faith when removing squatters. The legislation also expands the criminal mischief statutes to specifically include damage caused by squatters to residential or commercial property, with potential penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the amount of damage and whether it's a first or subsequent offense. Furthermore, the bill creates a new criminal offense of fraudulent sale or lease of real property, which occurs when someone lists a property for sale or rent without legal title or authority, resulting in financial loss to an individual. This new offense is classified as a Class D felony for the first occurrence and a Class C felony for subsequent offenses, aimed at protecting property owners from fraudulent transactions.

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https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb142.html