Gov. Abbott signs Squatter Legislation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed two key anti-squatting laws passed by the Texas Legislature: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 1333. These measures aim to close legal loopholes, accelerate property recovery for owners, and eliminate long civil court delays when removing unauthorized occupants. Key Anti-Squatting Bills 1. Senate Bill 1333 (Immediate Removal & Penalties) Law Enforcement Intervention: Empowers sheriffs and constables to remove squatters directly upon receiving a sworn complaint from a property owner stating that an unauthorized person has taken unlawful possession. No Civil Delay: Property owners no longer have to wait through multi-month eviction processes if the occupant was never a legal tenant or leaseholder. Targeting Lease Fraud: Upgrades criminal penalties for creating or presenting false lease documents, deeds, or fraudulent authorization. Real Estate Scams: Makes it a felony to market, list, or accept payment for renting/selling real estate without legal ownership or clear authorization. 2. Senate Bill 38 (Eviction Streamlining) Strict Timelines: Sets uniform requirements requiring courts to hold eviction proceedings within 21 days of a petition being filed. Summary Judgment: Allows courts to expedite cases via summary judgment when facts regarding tenancy status are undisputed, reducing court backlogs. Summary of Impact AspectOld StandardNew Anti-Squatting FrameworkLaw Enforcement RoleCivil matter; police often refused to act without court eviction order.Officers can directly remove squatters upon receiving a sworn affidavit.Eviction TimelineMonths of judicial delay.Fast-tracked trial within 21 days or immediate police removal for non-tenants.Fake Lease ScamsTreated as basic civil dispute or low-level misdemeanor.Upgraded criminal penalties, including felonies for selling or leasing property without authority.