SB 740
Establishing Stop Squatters Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 740, the ‘Stop Squatters Act,’ aims to provide a process for property owners in West Virginia to quickly remove unauthorized individuals from residential and commercial properties. The bill establishes a procedure where property owners can request law enforcement to remove occupants who are unlawfully present, provided certain conditions are met, such as the property owner being the rightful owner and having directed the occupants to leave. It also creates criminal penalties for damaging property while unlawfully occupying it, as well as for presenting false documents related to property ownership or advertising property without legal authority.
Key provisions
- Allows property owners to request immediate removal of unauthorized occupants from residential and commercial properties.
- Establishes specific conditions that must be met for a property owner to request removal.
- Creates criminal penalties for intentionally damaging property while unlawfully occupying it (misdemeanor or felony depending on the damage amount).
- Defines penalties for knowingly presenting false documents related to property ownership.
- Creates a felony offense for fraudulently listing or advertising property without legal title.
- Provides a civil cause of action for wrongful removal of occupants.
- Requires law enforcement to conduct a preliminary fact-finding investigation before taking action.
- Specifies a fee for law enforcement services related to the removal process.
Who is affected
- Property Owners
- Commercial Building Owners
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours