Sponsor says Squatter Reform Act will protect property owners; members ask about effects on families in extended-stay motels

Representative Seabaugh (Representative) presented Senate Bill 463 as a House substitute that replaces the original language with provisions of the "Squatter Reform Act." He said the legislation "closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminals to unlawfully occupy homes, businesses, and hotel properties in Georgia and force lawful owners and operators into lengthy court battles just to reclaim what is rightfully theirs."

In questions, Senator Whitmire cited a Southern Poverty Law Center estimate that "there's about 30,000 families living in extended stay motels throughout the metro Atlanta area" and asked whether the bill could result in eviction and homelessness for children living in those motels. Representative Seabaugh replied the bill "would protect those families" by clarifying that an innkeeper–guest relationship does not become a lease based solely on time under certain contract conditions and that as long as payments and contract terms are honored, the rights of residents are preserved. He acknowledged the bill does not specifically state child protections but argued the law's effect would be protective. No vote occurred in the excerpt.