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Bill > SB463

GA SB463

GA SB463
Specialized Land Transactions; business enterprises or business enterprises controlled by natural born persons from owning an interest in more than 500 single-family residential properties; prohibit

summary

Introduced
02/04/2026
In Committee
03/27/2026
Crossed Over
03/03/2026
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Chapter 10 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to magistrate courts, so as to provide for magistrate court jurisdiction over certain proceedings; to amend Code Section 16-7-21.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to unlawful squatting, so as to revise offense provisions; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 21 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to rights, duties, and liabilities of innkeepers, so as to provide for certain guest removal procedures for innkeepers; to provide for an affidavit; to provide for construction; to amend Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property, so as to provide for limitations and law enforcement officer safety regarding removal; to provide for legislative findings; to authorize real property owners to request assistance from law enforcement for the immediate removal of squatters from their property under certain conditions; to require such property owners to submit a verified complaint; to provide for complaint requirements; to provide for law enforcement requirements; to authorize arrest of squatters for legal cause; to authorize a fee for service; to provide for law enforcement and property owner immunity in certain instances; to provide for civil remedies; to provide for criminal penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. S. B. 463 (SUB)

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Georgia Anti-Squatting Act of 2026," aims to strengthen property owners' rights and streamline the process for removing individuals unlawfully occupying their property, referred to as "squatters." It expands the jurisdiction of magistrate courts to handle unlawful squatting cases and revises the definition and penalties for unlawful squatting, now requiring restitution for the property owner based on fair market rental rates. The bill also clarifies procedures for innkeepers to remove guests who have overstayed their contracted period, allowing for immediate denial of access and, if necessary, involving law enforcement by filing an affidavit. Furthermore, it introduces a new process for property owners to request immediate removal of squatters by submitting a verified complaint to law enforcement, outlining specific conditions that must be met, and provides immunity for property owners and law enforcement in certain situations while establishing civil remedies for wrongful removal and criminal penalties for presenting fraudulent property documents.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Justice

Sponsors (20)

Last Action

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 03/27/2026)

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