Bill > HB4299

This bill creates new legal provisions to address unauthorized property occupation, commonly known as "squatting," in Texas. It establishes a new criminal offense where a person occupies property without the owner's consent and knows they do not have permission, classifying this as a state jail felony. The bill also provides a detailed process for property owners to request removal of unauthorized occupants through the county sheriff's office. Under the new procedure, property owners can file a sworn complaint requesting the removal of individuals occupying their property without consent. The sheriff must then contact the occupants, serve them with a notice, and provide them a short window (three days) to provide evidence of a legal right to be on the property. If no sufficient evidence is provided, the sheriff is required to serve an immediate vacate notice, arrest the occupant for the new squatting offense, and restore the property to the rightful owner or authorized occupant. The law is designed to give property owners a more streamlined legal mechanism to quickly remove unauthorized occupants and protect their property rights. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving local law enforcement and judicial systems time to prepare for implementation.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4299