Tennessee House Passes Bill To Improve Process Of Removing “Squatters” From Property
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee House has passed a bill that protects the rights of property owners against “squatters.”
House Bill 1259 (HB1259), sponsored by Representative Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro-District 34), was introduced as a caption bill during last year’s session but was taken off notice in the Civil Justice Committee.
The legislation was reintroduced in the House this year with an amendment that detailed an updated process for homeowners to request assistance from law enforcement officials for the immediate removal of individuals who are illegally occupying a residential property.
Previously, Tennessee homeowners were required to go through the court system to evict an individual. The new process authorizes the Sheriff’s Department in the county where the property is located to notify the illegal occupant.
In order to petition for this removal, the request must be submitted in writing on an official form. The illegal occupant cannot be an immediate family member, and the property cannot have been open to the public at the time. The process also only applies in situations where there is no written or oral agreement between the owner and occupant.
The amended bill passed the House unanimously with a 92-0 vote on April 15.
Six Democrats were recorded as present but not voting: Representatives Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville-District 51), Bob Freeman (D-Nashville-District 56), Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville-District 90), Justin Jones (D-Nashville-District 52), Justin Pearson (D-Memphis-District 86), and Jason Powell (D-Nashville-District 53).
The companion Senate Bill 0795 (SB0795), sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga-District 10), passed the full Senate last year.
With the updated House amendment, the bill will return to the Senate for a new vote. It has been placed on the Senate Message Calendar for April 18th.
Why in the hell do we need more laws to handle squatters. We’re treating them like illegal aliens which most of them are and giving them rights they don’t have. First they invade the country, then they invade your home. Get over it lawmakers, your dumber than a pet rock. You arrest them, lock them up in a Cuban type prison and tell the ACLU to go to hell.
The process should be simple – when squatters are “illegally” occupying a property, they are to be ousted IMMEDIATELY …… It’s a sad day in America when there has to be a vote on whether the law is to be enacted or not. I’m sure attorneys and the courts love these situations because it means more money i their pockets. As always – following the money trail always leads us to the truth.
It is simple, squatters do not pay the bills, squatters do not take care of the property, squatters do not own the house nor rent it, squatters or thieves! Why does the homeowner have to fill out a form to have this even looked into! We should be able to call the police, and have the squatters removed and jailed immediately! This isn’t hard! Let’s hope it never happens to any of those who are making these stupid laws and wasting time and money! Squatters are criminals!
This is ridiculous! This is not protecting private property. I remember the signs posted on properties when I was young saying, ” Trespassers will be shot”. That’s how the law was when I was young and I think it’s still the law in Florida. A property owner should be able to protect their property without going through all of these steps.
The second amendment should handle squatters. If I’m a landowner and I tell somebody to get and they refuse I consider that and imminent threat to my Safety and Security at that time the only cost me will be the diesel fuel to use my backhoe to make sure the grave is deep enough. This sounds harsh but it would solve the problem people need to respect other people’s homes.