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Bill

HB 4031

Relating to the unauthorized occupancy of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby

Texas HB 4031 criminalizes unauthorized real property occupancy and enables faster removal of squatters through criminal penalties rather than civil eviction alone.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #sheriffs(s1013)
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Bill Summary · HB 4031

Legislative bill overview

HB 4031 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized occupancy of real property and establishes procedures for removing unauthorized occupants. The bill appears designed to address squatting and trespassing issues by making unauthorized occupation a criminal offense rather than solely a civil matter.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts property rights enforcement and could accelerate eviction processes by crimininalizing occupancy. It affects both property owners seeking faster remedies and individuals experiencing housing instability, while potentially shifting enforcement costs to the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's definition of "unauthorized occupancy" could be interpreted broadly or narrowly—ambiguity may lead to disputes over whether it applies to lease disputes, family members, or only clear trespassers
  • Due process concerns: Criminalizing occupancy raises questions about adequate notice, hearings, and whether criminal penalties are proportionate to the conduct or risk criminalizing poverty-related homelessness
  • Criminal vs. civil remedies: Moving squatting from civil to criminal jurisdiction may overburden courts and jails while complicating property recovery timelines compared to existing eviction procedures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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