A Republican lawmaker in Pennsylvania, Donna Scheuren, has proposed legislation to address the nationwide squatting surge that has left homeowners legally powerless to remove unwanted trespassers from their properties. Inspired by recent laws in Florida eliminating squatters’ rights, Scheuren introduced the Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act to address concerns in her district, where squatters take advantage of a variety of buildings. The bill aims to streamline the eviction process by allowing police to immediately remove squatters when requested by homeowners with proof of ownership, eliminating the need for lengthy court proceedings. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for property damage and allows homeowners to seek treble damages and attorney fees in civil court.
Squatters across the country often take advantage of loopholes in the law, with law enforcement unable to assist homeowners due to lack of authority to determine property ownership. Scheuren’s bill seeks to change this by empowering municipal and state officers to remove squatters if a homeowner signs an affidavit confirming lawful ownership. The legislation also addresses the issue of illegal immigrant squatting, requiring law enforcement to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if a squatter is in the United States illegally and to comply with any detainers. Scheuren emphasizes the need to prioritize the rights of homeowners over criminal squatters, whether illegal immigrants or domestic criminals who exploit the system.
With high-profile squatting incidents garnering media attention, including cases where homeowners are forced to pay off squatters or face violence upon returning to their properties, Scheuren stresses the urgency of providing better protections for property owners. The bill aims to prevent situations where homeowners are left to deal with costly legal fees and property damages, offering a more efficient process for evicting squatters. By increasing penalties for property damage and streamlining the eviction process, the legislation seeks to empower homeowners and ensure that they are not left vulnerable to trespassers who take advantage of legal loopholes.
The squatting crisis in Pennsylvania and across the country has become intertwined with broader issues such as illegal immigration, with some squatters being illegal immigrants who abuse the system. Scheuren’s bill addresses this concern by requiring law enforcement to cooperate with ICE in cases where squatters are in the country illegally. The legislation aims to hold criminal squatters accountable and ensure that homeowners are not left at the mercy of those who break the law. In a bid to protect the rights of lawful property owners, the bill proposes measures to deter squatters from exploiting the legal system and inflicting harm on homeowners.
Although Scheuren’s bill will need to navigate the legislative process in a Democrat-controlled House and a GOP-controlled Senate in Pennsylvania, the lawmaker remains optimistic about its prospects. With bipartisan support and growing awareness of the issue, including public statements from Democratic Senator John Fetterman denouncing squatters, there is hope that the legislation will garner enough attention and momentum to be signed into law. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, all eyes are on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has yet to indicate whether he would sign the proposed legislation if it reaches his desk. The future of the Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act will depend on the cooperation of lawmakers across party lines and the willingness of state officials to prioritize the rights of homeowners in the face of the squatting crisis.
