Bill > AB897

This bill, known as the Remove Illegal Squatters from Private Property Act, proposes to add a new section to the California Penal Code that establishes specific legal procedures for addressing unauthorized occupation of residential property. Under the proposed law, a person commits unlawful squatting by entering and residing on another's property without the owner's consent. When a law enforcement agency receives a complaint, they must issue a citation requiring the alleged squatter to provide documentation proving lawful entry within three business days, such as a lease agreement or proof of rental payments. If no documentation is provided, the person can be arrested. If documentation is submitted, a magistrate court will hold a hearing within seven days to verify its authenticity. If the court determines the documentation is improper or fraudulent, the person can be removed from the property, fined to cover damages and back rent, and potentially face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to one year in county jail. The bill explicitly states that these provisions do not apply to legitimate tenants, those in active rental disputes, or individuals with a valid claim of tenancy or property ownership. The legislation also includes provisions addressing potential local government costs, indicating that in most cases, no state reimbursement will be required for implementing these new regulations.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB897