ATLANTA — The state House unanimously passed the Georgia Squatter Reform Act on Thursday, which is designed to make it clear that squatting is a crime and should not be dealt with through the traditional eviction process.
Channel 2 Action News went undercover last month for an investigation into how squatters are counting on that long, drawn-out eviction process to stay in the homes for 8-10 months while the fight plays out in civil courts.
Our undercover investigation showed how “1 Time Payment Homes” were even advertising on Instagram that they could put you in a squatter home and take advantage of squatter’s rights so you could stay there.
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This legislation would change that and have police charge people criminally for trespassing. It also makes any fake lease a separate felony.
“Colleagues, House Bill 1017 sends a message to squatters you are criminals and will be treated like criminals. If you commit the crime of squatting, you will be arrested charged with a crime, prosecuted and promptly removed from the property,” state Rep. Devan Seabaugh said.
By passing on Thursday and crossing over now to the Senate, the legislation takes a big step forward. The unanimous vote makes clear it has big bipartisan support.
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