Squatter Prevention Bill on its Way to Hickenlooper

A Colorado legislative measure born out of frustration with the process of evicting those who illegally take over someone’s home is on its way to Gov. John Hickenlooper for signing.

Senate Bill 15 (SB18-015) will set up a faster process for getting “squatters” — people who move into a home without homeowner authorization — evicted from the premises. The new law will prevent the unauthorized occupation of property statewide by creating an emergency civil court process that a property owner may pursue when a squatter illegally takes up residence in their home. This is a common sense public policy solution that: 1) Gives rightful property owners a remedy to remove squatters and lessen damages to private property; 2) Gives law enforcement officials the tools and necessary procedures to remove squatters, 3) Protects consumers from becoming a victim of housing scams; and 4) Deters fraudulent transfers of real estate and squatter events that threaten private property rights.Senate Bill 15 won unanimous approval on Tuesday, May 8th and makes it’s way to Hickenloopers desk for signing.

CAR worked on solving this problem with Colorado Springs legislators, the bar association, and several other stakeholders to find a way to forward and it was unanimously adopted on May 8th by both the House and Senate chambers and will be sent to the Governor for his signature.