summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Stop Squatters Act. Creates a process for local law enforcement to remove a person who is unlawfully occupying residential or commercial property without any right to do so. Requires the property owner to file a complaint with local law enforcement alleging facts to trigger the Act. Provides that law enforcement is entitled to a reasonable fee to remove an unauthorized occupant and provides legal protection to law enforcement for acting on a complaint. Provides that if the complaint is found to be false, the property owner shall indemnify the law enforcement agency. Creates a civil action for a person who was wrongfully removed. Creates a civil cause of action for the property owner for damages by the wrongful occupant. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates a Class 4 felony for making a false statement to detain real property and fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure to provide that illegal possession of land during a 7-year period may not be used for a claim of adverse possession. Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides that no person has the right or legal standing to occupy or remain on or in any real property, residence, or structure if the person has no written property interest under a written lease or rental agreement with the owner of the property listed in county tax records or the owner's agent; no documentation of payment of rent made to the owner of the property or the owner's agent; or otherwise fails to provide any evidence of an oral or written agreement in which a property interest is claimed. Provides that all persons legally occupying a property, residence, or structure shall be listed by name and date of birth on a lease, rental agreement, or rental application associated with the lease or rental agreement or provide evidence that the person is an invitee of a lessee or authorized occupant of the property. Provides that no subleasing shall be allowed or deemed as legal in contrast to a lease or rental agreement that specifically prohibits subleases. Provides that a sublease made in violation of a lease or rental agreement shall not establish legal standing to occupy or remain on or in any real property, residence, or structure by the sublessee and the sublessee shall vacate the property after receiving notice from the property owner of record to depart.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Stop Squatters Act, establishes a streamlined process for property owners to remove individuals unlawfully occupying their residential or commercial properties. It allows property owners to file a complaint with local law enforcement, triggering a preliminary investigation to verify the unlawful occupation. If probable cause is found, law enforcement will issue a notice to vacate, and the property owner can then regain possession, with law enforcement potentially remaining to ensure peace during the process. The bill also outlines fees for law enforcement services and protects them from liability for good-faith actions based on a complaint, while holding property owners liable for damages if their complaint is found to be false. Furthermore, it creates civil actions for both wrongful removal of an occupant and for damages caused by a wrongful occupant. The bill amends existing laws to make making false statements to detain real property and fraudulent sales or leases of residential property a Class 4 felony, prevents illegal possession of land from being used for adverse possession claims after a 7-year period, and clarifies that individuals without a written lease, proof of rent payment, or other evidence of an agreement with the owner, or who are not listed on a lease or are not authorized guests, have no legal right to occupy a property, with specific provisions for subleasing violations.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/06/2026)
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