SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WREX) — A bill to empower law enforcement to remove squatters through criminal trespassing laws is heading to the Governor’s desk after passing through the Illinois General Assembly.
Senate Bill 1563 was passed through the Illinois House on Wednesday aiming to empower law enforcement in squatters cases and prevent lengthy eviction processes.
The legislation would amend the state’s Code of Civil Procedure to say the Eviction Article cannot prohibit law enforcement from enforcing criminal trespassing or interfere with the removal of people or property in the case of criminal trespassing.
State Rep. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park) says the bill will differentiate squatters from tenants and prevent months-long eviction processes, saving money and time on the part of law enforcement.
"There’s been too many stories of squatters taking advantage of laws intended to protect actual tenants from wrongful evictions, and it’s time to end the free ride," Vella said. "It’s ridiculous to hear about squatters who have been able to stay in a home for months, rent free and largely consequence free, while property owners are forced to go through a lengthy eviction process that should have never existed in the first place."
The bill was also sponsored in the House by Joe Sosnowski (R-Machesney Park) and House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).
The state Senate passed the bill with a 55-1 vote on April 9, with state Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) as the only "no" vote. The bill passed the state House unanimously on Wednesday.
The bill now heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk for his signature.
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