The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 157 authored by Sen. Gaskill and Sen. Baldwin on protection of property rights. The bill:
- Defines “squatter” as an individual who occupies the property of another and who does not have and has never had: (1) a rental agreement; (2) permission of the owner; or (3) another legal interest in the property.
- Permits a property owner to execute an affidavit stating that a squatter is occupying the person’s property and requires a law enforcement agency to dispatch one or more law enforcement officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours (or a later period if necessary for reasons of public safety).
- Requires a dispatched law enforcement officer to remove the squatter from the property unless the law enforcement officer discovers credible written evidence that the person is not a squatter.
The bill was amended by consent to provide civil immunity to a law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer acting within the scope of the agency’s or officer’s duties and specifies that an invitee is not a squatter. The Pacific Legal Foundation and Indiana Apartment Association testified in support of the bill. Indiana Legal Services, Indiana Land Title Association, the Probate, Trust and Real Property section of the Indiana State Bar Association, Prosperity Indiana, Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and a member of the public testified but remained neutral. The amended bill passed 8-2.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/157