Increase in Squatting Sparks Need for New Laws
- A report by Pacific Legal Foundation reveals a significant rise in squatting incidents in Washington since 2019.
- This increase has prompted discussions about the need for new laws to address the issue.
- Stakeholders are advocating for legislative action to protect property rights.
A recent report by the Pacific Legal Foundation has highlighted a troubling increase in squatting incidents across the United States since 2019. The report, titled *Locking Squatters Out: How States Can Protect Property Owners*, emphasizes the challenges property owners face when trying to evict squatters, who occupy properties without legal rights or the owner's consent. Mark Miller, a senior attorney at the foundation, argues that squatters should be treated as trespassers and not afforded special legal protections. In response to the escalating issue, several states have begun enacting legislation that classifies squatting as a criminal offense, thereby simplifying the eviction process for property owners. States such as Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia have already passed laws aimed at addressing this problem, while 11 additional states are considering similar measures. The report cites Georgia as a model for other states, demonstrating that updated laws can enhance property rights and provide better protection for owners. The Pacific Legal Foundation, a national nonprofit law firm established in 1973, advocates for individual liberties and constitutional rights against government overreach. With active cases in 34 states and a strong track record in the U.S. Supreme Court, the foundation continues to challenge legal issues affecting property rights and personal freedoms. The report serves as a call to action for states to adopt stricter measures against squatting to safeguard property owners' rights.