DeLuca Backs Effort to Stop Squatters, Strengthen Property Owner Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure supported by state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, will better empower law enforcement to remove squatters who are criminally trespassing on private property, changing existing practice that could lead to a lengthy eviction process instead.

“This is necessary action that puts the law on the side of property owners, not criminal trespassers,” DeLuca said. “Too many squatters have taken advantage of laws intended to protect actual tenants from wrongful evictions, with some using the opportunity to further scam prospective renters. This measure helps to deliver immediate and necessary consequences.”

The DeLuca-sponsored Senate Bill 1563 clarifies that nothing in the state’s Eviction Article of the Code of Civil Procedure should be construed to prohibit law enforcement from enforcing criminal trespass or from removing people from the property premises. By differentiating squatters from tenants, the measure intends to prevent months-long eviction processes.

“There’s been too many stories of police feeling they have their hands tied while property owners lose out on months of rent they otherwise should have received,” DeLuca said. “This is a commonsense plan that will end the abuse and permanently strengthen property owner protections.”

Senate Bill 1563 passed with bipartisan support and is now headed to the governor’s desk for approval.

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.