Bill > HB4031

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "squatting" in the Texas Penal Code and establishes a streamlined process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants. Under the new law, a person commits a state jail felony if they occupy another person's property without the owner's consent and knowingly do so without authorization. The bill allows property owners, their agents, or authorized tenants to request that the county sheriff immediately remove individuals who have unlawfully entered and are occupying a dwelling without consent. The removal process involves the property owner submitting a sworn complaint to the sheriff, who must then contact the occupant and provide an opportunity for them to provide evidence of a legal right to be on the property. If no sufficient evidence is provided, the sheriff must serve a notice to vacate, arrest the unauthorized occupant for squatting, and restore possession of the property to the rightful owner or authorized tenant. This legislation aims to provide property owners with a more direct and expedited method of addressing unauthorized occupancy, effectively criminalizing squatting and creating a clear legal mechanism for its resolution. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4031