Indiana Senate Bill 12 expedites removal of squatters from private property

The Indiana Senate introduced Senate Bill 12 on January 14, 2025, aimed at addressing the issue of squatters—individuals occupying properties without legal permission. The bill defines a squatter as someone who lacks a rental agreement, owner permission, or any legal interest in the property.

Key provisions of the bill allow property owners to file an affidavit asserting that a squatter is present on their property. Upon receipt of this affidavit, law enforcement agencies are mandated to dispatch officers to the location within 48 hours to remove the squatter. Officers are required to act unless they find credible written evidence indicating that the individual is not a squatter.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary for further discussion.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 12 has already begun, with proponents arguing that it provides a necessary legal framework for property owners to reclaim their spaces swiftly and efficiently. Critics, however, express concerns about potential misuse of the law, fearing that it could lead to wrongful evictions or exacerbate homelessness.

The implications of this legislation are significant, as it seeks to balance property rights with the need for humane treatment of individuals without housing. Experts suggest that while the bill may streamline the eviction process for property owners, it also raises ethical questions about the treatment of vulnerable populations.

As discussions continue in the legislature, the outcome of Senate Bill 12 could set a precedent for how squatting is handled in Indiana, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states. The bill's progress will be closely monitored by both property rights advocates and social justice organizations as it moves through the legislative process.