ATL Standard

State Representative Devan Seabaugh (R-Marietta) celebrated the recent passage of House Bill 1017, also known as the Squatter Reform Act, by the Georgia House of Representatives. The legislation aims to address the issue of unlawful squatting on properties in the state.

“This bill amends the Official Code of Georgia so that the rightful and lawful owners of a property can expeditiously remove an intruder, also known as a squatter, from their property,” explained Rep. Seabaugh. He highlighted the challenges faced by property owners dealing with squatters and emphasized the need for a more efficient legal process. “We have homeowners tied up in court for eight months to two years in some cases trying to get these squatters removed from their property. HB 1017 sends a message to squatters that they are criminals, and they will be treated like criminals.”

Under HB 1017, individuals found unlawfully squatting on a property would be required to provide documentation within three business days to prove their authorization to be on the premises. Failure to provide valid documentation could lead to arrest for criminal trespass, with the individual facing misdemeanor charges. If documentation is provided but found to be fraudulent, the individual would be subject to eviction, arrest, and fines based on the fair market rental rate of the property.

The bill received unanimous support in the House and has now been forwarded to the Senate for further review. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, HB 1017 would provide property owners with additional tools to address the issue of illegal squatting in Georgia.

The Squatter Reform Act is a significant step towards protecting property rights and deterring unlawful occupation of properties in the state.