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Bill > H0702
VT H0702
VT H0702An act relating to criminal trespass and residing on land or premises of another person without authority
summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to prohibit a person from entering and residing on the land or premises of another person, knowing that there is no authority to do so. Violation of the prohibition is a felony, with an enhanced penalty if the person causes greater than $1,000.00 in damages to the land or premises. The bill proposes to prohibit a person from knowingly presenting a lease agreement containing false representations of material facts regarding land or premises where the person intends to enter and reside. The bill proposes to expand the expedited procedure for removing unlawful occupants to include persons who, knowing there is no authority to do so, enter and reside on the land or premises of another person.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Vermont Squatter Reform Act," makes several changes to existing laws concerning unlawful entry and residency on another person's property. It establishes a new felony offense for knowingly entering and residing on someone else's land or premises without permission, with penalties including imprisonment and fines, and enhanced penalties if more than $1,000 in damages are caused. The bill also criminalizes knowingly presenting a fraudulent lease agreement with false information to gain entry or residency. Furthermore, it expands the expedited legal process for removing unlawful occupants to include individuals who knowingly enter and reside on property without authorization, allowing property owners to more quickly regain possession.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (on 01/15/2026)
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://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.702 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0702/H-0702%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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