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Bill

SB 101

Revise laws related to squatting

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Beard

Montana SB 101 revises squatting and adverse possession laws, affecting property owner protections and housing dispute procedures statewide.

Chapter Number Assigned
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Bill Summary · SB 101

Legislative bill overview

SB 101 revises Montana's squatting laws, a bill that has progressed through the legislature and received gubernatorial approval as of April 2025. The specific revisions to squatting statutes are not detailed in the provided action summary, so the precise scope of changes—whether strengthening property owner protections, modifying adverse possession rules, or adjusting eviction procedures—cannot be determined from this record alone.

Why is this important

Squatting and adverse possession laws directly affect property rights, housing accessibility, and local enforcement resources. Changes to these statutes impact both property owners seeking to protect their assets and individuals experiencing housing instability, while also affecting how courts and law enforcement handle these disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner protections vs. housing access: Stricter squatting laws may benefit property owners but could increase hardship for unhoused individuals; conversely, looser regulations might favor occupancy rights at the expense of property ownership
  • Adverse possession thresholds: Changes to the timeframe or conditions required for adverse possession claims affect long-term occupancy scenarios and can impact rural or abandoned properties differently than urban ones
  • Eviction procedure complexity: Modifications to notice requirements or court processes may streamline removals or add protections depending on the direction of revision

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

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