summary
Introduced
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
In Committee
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill prohibits a person from occupying a premises without the consent of a person holding legal ownership or a designee of a person holding legal ownership of the premises (landowner). A person who occupies a premises without the consent of the landowner commits the new crime of squatting. The first conviction for a violation of squatting is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 per offense. Upon conviction, a court shall also fine an individual convicted of squatting not more than $1,000 for each day the individual unlawfully occupied the premises. A person convicted of squatting more than once commits an unclassified misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of no more than $2,000 and by up to 6 months in jail, in addition to the fine for each day an individual convicted of squatting unlawfully occupied the premises. The court shall order restitution to the landowner for any damage the individual caused to the premises and for any legal costs and fees incurred as a result of the individual's presence on the premises and removal from the premises. A court shall issue a ruling to a person accused of squatting within days after the person is charged with squatting. Upon a conviction of an individual for squatting, a court shall order the individual to vacate the premises immediately. Before a conviction, if the landowner of a premises unlawfully occupied by an individual notifies law enforcement of the individual's presence, law enforcement shall remove the individual within 24 hours after the landowner of the premises presents legal title as proof of ownership of the premises to law enforcement. If legal title as proof is presented, law enforcement shall remove the person who is unlawfully on the premises without the need for a court order. A person convicted of squatting shall not recover damages from the landowner of the premises where damage occurred.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and penalize squatting in Colorado, defining squatting as occupying a premises without the landowner's consent and treating it as a strict liability crime. The bill imposes significant penalties for squatting, including a first-offense fine of up to $2,000 and an additional $1,000 per day of unauthorized occupation, with second and subsequent offenses potentially resulting in up to six months in jail, a $2,000 fine, and daily penalties. Upon conviction, the court must order the squatter to immediately vacate the premises and pay restitution for any property damage and legal costs incurred by the landowner. The bill also empowers law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants within 24 hours if the landowner presents proof of legal ownership, and it prohibits squatters from recovering damages from the landowner. By prioritizing private property rights, the legislation aims to provide property owners with swift and decisive legal recourse against unauthorized occupation, reflecting the state legislature's view that protecting private property is essential to maintaining a fair and free society.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1104 |
| Fiscal Note FN2 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/fn/2025a_hb1104_f1.pdf |
| House Judiciary Amendment L.002 | https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2025A/amendments/9D7244725DFF37B487258C27006CE240/HB1104_L.002.pdf |
| House Judiciary Amendment L.001 | https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2025A/amendments/0C855E2663CBB8E487258C27006CCF5F/HB1104_L.001.pdf |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/fn/2025a_hb1104_00.pdf |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1104_01.pdf |
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