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Landlords, title companies and prosecutors debate new squatting code; sponsor says bill mirrors Florida law
Summary
House Bill 1305 would create criminal trespass and a statutory process allowing sheriffs to remove alleged unauthorized occupants from residences; landlords and title‑industry witnesses supported the measure, while the Land Title Association recommended striking one section; prosecutors urged additional work on sheriff duties and safeguards.
Representative Jim Casper introduced House Bill 1305, a comprehensive proposal intended to address what supporters described as “squatting” — unauthorized occupancy of residential property — by creating criminal trespass offenses and a statutory process for owners or landlords to prompt sheriff action.
Casper said the bill is patterned on a 2024 Florida law and would create new criminal trespass offenses, define procedures for owners to request sheriff investigation and removal, and provide a civil remedy for people who…
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