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HB 25-1104

Squatting Prohibited

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Keltie

HB 25-1104 aimed to protect property rights by penalizing squatting with fines up to $2,000 and jail time, allowing swift removal of unauthorized occupants.

House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 25-1104

Summary of House Bill 25-1104: Squatting Prohibited

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 25-1104
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Status: Postponed Indefinitely by the House Committee on Judiciary on February 4, 2025
Prime Sponsor: Rep. Keltie

The purpose of HB 25-1104 was to establish legal measures against squatting, defined as occupying a premises without the owner's permission. The bill aimed to strengthen property rights and provide a legal framework for property owners to swiftly remove unauthorized occupants.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Squatting: The bill defined squatting as the act of occupying a premises without the consent of the legal owner or their designee.

  • Penalties:

    • First Offense: Classified as an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.
    • Subsequent Offenses: Also classified as an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Additionally, offenders would incur a fine of $1,000 per day for each day they are found squatting.

  • Court Procedures:

    • Courts were required to rule on squatting cases within ten days of charges being filed.
    • Courts would order restitution for any damages and legal costs incurred by the property owner due to the squatting.

  • Law Enforcement Actions:

    • Law enforcement was mandated to remove individuals found squatting within 24 hours of receiving notice from the property owner, provided the owner presents proof of legal ownership.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill would primarily impact property owners, individuals found squatting, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system.

  • State and Local Government: The bill was projected to increase workloads for the judicial system and local law enforcement, as more cases would need to be processed under the new law. However, the fiscal note indicated that these impacts could be managed within existing appropriations.

  • Revenue Generation: The bill was expected to generate minimal revenue from fines and court fees associated with the new misdemeanor offense, although precise revenue impacts could not be determined.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and assigned to the House Judiciary Committee but was postponed indefinitely, meaning it will not advance further in the legislative process unless reintroduced.

Conclusion

While HB 25-1104 aimed to address the issue of squatting and protect property rights, its indefinite postponement means that the proposed legal framework and penalties will not be enacted at this time. The bill's provisions reflect ongoing concerns about property rights and the need for effective legal remedies for property owners facing unauthorized occupation of their premises.

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

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