LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6579 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 14, 2024
BILL NUMBER: SB 157 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Protection of Property Rights.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Gaskill BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED: GENERAL IMPACT: Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill defines "squatter" as an individual who occupies the property of another
and who does not have and has never had: (1) a rental agreement; (2) permission of the owner; or (3) another
legal interest in the property. It permits a property owner to execute an affidavit stating that a squatter is
occupying the person's property, and requires a law enforcement agency to dispatch one or more law
enforcement officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours (or a later period if necessary for reasons of
public safety). It also requires a dispatched law enforcement officer to remove the squatter from the property
unless the law enforcement officer discovers credible written evidence that the person is not a squatter.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures:
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: This bill’s provisions may result in an increase in both the workload
and costs for local law enforcement agencies since the bill provides an additional process for real property
owners to remove individuals from their property beyond the current eviction statutes and processes. The
actual fiscal impact will vary from county to county and will be determined by the number of cases involving
individuals defined as a “squatter” under the bill’s provisions.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected:
Local Agencies Affected: Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
Information Sources:
Fiscal Analyst: James Johnson, 317-232-9869.
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