Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers have proposed a bill to address the nationwide surge in squatting as homeowners realize their legal powerlessness to remove unwanted trespassers from their properties.
Donna Schuelen, the representative for Pennsylvania’s 147th Congressional District, introduced the Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act earlier this month, saying it was partially inspired by recently passed Florida legislation. Eliminate the rights of squatters.
“Recently, there have been several high-profile squatting incidents across the country, and my office has received multiple calls and emails from constituents concerned about what is happening in our communities. ,” Schulen said in a written statement. press release.
Schulen told Fox News that digital squatters can “easily take advantage” of a variety of buildings in the district, from homes to barns, barns, cottages and cabins, cutting through red tape in the process. He said he wanted to eliminate it.
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Photos of Republican Pennsylvania Congresswoman Donna Schuelen and damage caused by squatters in Philadelphia. (Fox News Digital)
“Eliminating all the red tape, someone having to go to court to prove they’re not a tenant, that they didn’t have a relationship with the landlord at some point, most of the things that currently exist. I think it’s all about getting rid of them. Once they’re gone, the police can pick them up, throw them out, and get the home back on their hands right away, but this is common sense and they’ll do it. It’s the right thing to do,” Schulen told FOX News Digital.
In squatting situations across the country, homeowners who call the police to report squatting have no right to law enforcement because they have no authority to determine who is telling the truth regarding property paperwork. I am often told that there is nothing I can do.
Schulen’s bill would allow city and state officials to immediately remove squatters from a building if the homeowner signs an affidavit stating they legally own the property. The aim is to change this situation.
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Chris Hart, 35, bought an investment property in northwest Philadelphia last year. After making extensive renovations, he put it up for sale, only to be invaded by squatters. (Photo provided by Chris Hart)
fox news digital is previously reported Homeowners face hurdles that can result in lengthy litigation delays and significant legal costs in addition to damages. Schulen’s bill would alleviate this problem by increasing penalties for property damage and allowing homeowners to seek triple damages and attorney fees through civil court.
“In recent cases like the one in Philadelphia, where a homeowner paid a squatter $1,200 to evict a squatter because the police wouldn’t evict him, and another in New York, A woman was killed by a squatter who smashed her head against a wall in Spain.Returning to her home after a holiday in Spain is unacceptable and the law provides better protection for homeowners. It shows there is a need,” Schulen said.
“This law does just that, protecting the rights of lawful property owners, not criminals who break the law.”
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Venezuelan TikToker Leonard Moreno appealed to illegal immigrants to take over abandoned homes and enforce squatter rights. (TikTok/Screenshot/Leonard Moreno)
Across the country, the crisis of illegal occupation is intertwined with the crisis of illegal immigration.Recently, illegal immigrants from Venezuela I showed it off on TikTok He mentioned squatting and urged his followers to game the system and do the same.
Schulen told FOX News Digital that after the video went viral, he was flooded with calls from voters. Her bill would address the issue of illegal immigration by requiring law enforcement to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if an undocumented person is in the United States illegally. Comply with detainees placed by ICE.
“We have to look out for homeowners before illegal aliens or just criminal squatters. They don’t even have to be illegal immigrants,” Schulen told Fox News Digital. “The fact that criminal squatters seem to have a little more protection than homeowners and citizens. It’s crazy.”
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Schulen’s bill must pass Pennsylvania’s Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate. Was introduced It will ultimately be signed by the Commonwealth’s Democratic governors.
But Schulen recently told Fox News Digital that he received encouragement from Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman. blow up the squatters And they say they have no rights.
“Because there is pressure and hopefully the media is bringing more attention to this issue and now even one of our senators is bringing it to the forefront that he wants to legislate on this issue in Harrisburg, I “I have a newfound enthusiasm that I might be able to accomplish something,” Schulen said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office declined to say whether he would sign either bill if it reaches his desk, saying he is “considering this proposal as it moves through the legislative process.” said.
