Senate committee backs 'Stop Squatters Act' after debate on law enforcement burden and civil remedies

Senate Bill 101, commonly described on the floor as the "Stop Squatters Act," passed second reading in the Committee of the Whole by a recorded vote of 35–15.

Senator Beard, sponsor of the bill, said SB 101 creates criminal penalties for illegal occupation of property, provides enforcement mechanisms, and refines distinctions between trespass and landlord–tenant disputes. "This bill creates the framework for the protections and enforcement of property rights...so property owners can expeditiously regain possession of their property," Beard said.

Opponents including Senator Newman and Senator Olson urged rejection. Newman argued the statutes already provide remedies for unlawful occupants and said the bill would unduly burden law enforcement. "We have civil and criminal processes in place," Newman said, and cited concerns from local police and the League of Cities and Towns about added cost and workload. Senator Olson added the bill's language is vague — for example, it does not define how long a person must "reside" to trigger the offense — and noted a fiscal note was not in the record.

Supporters, including Senator Vinton and Senator Trebis, described scenarios in which property owners returned from absence to find others occupying their homes and urged the legislature to give law enforcement clearer authority to remove unlawful occupants promptly. The sponsor emphasized that the bill targets unlawful occupiers rather than ordinary landlord–tenant disputes.

The clerk recorded 35 senators voting aye and 15 voting nay. The committee reported the bill to the full Senate for additional consideration.

Votes at a glance: committee second-reading vote on SB 101 — 35 aye, 15 nay.