Protection of property rights.
The bill would amend existing Indiana law by creating a new chapter specifically aimed at the expedited removal of squatters. It provides a legal definition of squatters and establishes a specific affidavit process that property owners must follow to initiate removal. Once the affidavit is verified by law enforcement, they are empowered to serve a notice to the squatter to vacate the property, enforcing the removal process. This change in law is positioned to streamline the procedure for property owners and potentially decrease the time it takes to regain possession of their property, which can often be a lengthy legal process under current laws.
Senate Bill 70, titled 'Protection of Property Rights', aims to address the issue of squatters on residential properties in Indiana. The bill defines a squatter as an individual who occupies someone else's residential real property without a rental agreement, permission of the owner, or any legal interest in the property. Under this bill, property owners are given a process for expedited removal of squatters from their properties, which would take effect on July 1, 2025. The introduction of this bill reflects an increasing concern over property rights and the rights of property owners to reclaim their spaces from unauthorized occupants.
However, the bill has drawn attention and contention regarding its implications for squatters and potential for misuse. Critics argue that the expedited process may deprive some vulnerable individuals of their rights and could be abused by property owners seeking to remove tenants unfairly. There are also concerns about how quickly law enforcement might be called to act on a property owner's request, which could lead to situations where individuals are removed without sufficient due process. Balancing the rights of property owners with the rights of individuals living on those properties will be a critical debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.