Wyoming Legislators Address Growing Squatting Problem with New Bills
Wyoming property owners struggling with the challenge of removing squatters may soon get some relief from new legislation being considered by the state’s lawmakers. The Wyoming Legislature’s Judiciary Committee recently reviewed bills aimed at tightening the state’s squatting laws, providing property owners with more effective tools to deal with unauthorized occupants.
Strengthening Law Enforcement’s Role
The primary bill discussed would give property owners the ability to request immediate law enforcement assistance to remove unauthorized occupants, commonly referred to as squatters. According to Natrona County Attorney Dan Itzen, this measure would provide clear authority for law enforcement to take action in squatting cases.
State Senator Bill Landen (R-Casper) emphasized that squatting has been a significant issue in Casper. He shared the story of a local resident who returned from wintering in Arizona to find an unauthorized person living in their home. Senator Jim Anderson (R-Casper), one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said the legislation was inspired by constituents who faced significant challenges in removing squatters.
“Currently, you can’t just call the sheriff to remove a squatter, even if you’re the lawful owner,” said Anderson. The new bill, modeled after Florida’s squatting law, would classify squatters as trespassers rather than tenants, allowing law enforcement to act swiftly.
Under the proposed law, squatting would become a felony offense, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison if they unlawfully occupy or damage a property.
Residential Focus with Potential for Expansion
At present, the bill focuses on residential properties, but Anderson acknowledged that commercial real estate has also been affected by squatters. He pointed out that the current law allows for the quick removal of squatters from commercial properties, but residential landlords have faced far more difficulties in addressing the problem.
Longtime Casper Realtor Ronna Boril shared a personal experience that highlighted the frustrations property owners face when dealing with squatters. In one instance, Boril rented out a home only to find the occupants later stopped paying rent and allowed other unauthorized individuals to take over the property. Local law enforcement informed her they couldn’t act without a formal legal process, leaving her property trashed and costing her $15,000 in repairs.
Impact on Renters and Legal Concerns
As lawmakers work to strengthen squatting laws, they are also considering how these changes might impact legal renters. Representative Karlee Provenza (D-Laramie) emphasized the importance of protecting renters who may fall behind on payments but have legal agreements in place. Law enforcement officials also raised concerns about potential conflicts with existing eviction laws, particularly in cases where officers might be asked to verify home ownership or rental agreements on the spot.
Allen Thompson, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, highlighted the key distinction between squatters and tenants who default on rent. He noted that removing a tenant requires court intervention, while trespassers can be removed more quickly. However, both he and other officials expressed concerns about the potential criminal liability for law enforcement officers tasked with handling squatting cases under the new law.
Addressing Fraudulent Property Claims
In addition to the squatting bill, legislators considered another bill that would make it a felony to use fraudulent documents to unlawfully take possession of a property. The penalty for this crime would be up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, mirroring the penalties for felony forgery in Wyoming.
Some lawmakers questioned whether existing forgery laws are sufficient to handle fraudulent property claims, but proponents of the bill argued that a separate, clearly defined law would provide stronger legal tools to address this growing problem.
Ongoing Discussions
Both bills will be discussed further at the Judiciary Committee’s next meeting in November. As the squatting issue continues to grow in Wyoming, property owners are hopeful that these legislative efforts will provide a more efficient and effective solution to an increasingly complex problem.
Zeke Gaudern
It's Nice to Share
Comment, Write a Blog Post, Create Groups, Get Seen!
Comments, Opinions and Facts Go Here...👇