The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 157 on protection of property rights sponsored by Rep. King and Rep. Davis. Author Sen. Gaskill introduced the bill, which:
- 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 evidence that the person is not a squatter.
- Provides certain immunities to a law enforcement agency and a law enforcement officer.
The Committee amended the bill by consent to:
- Provide that a law enforcement officer shall not remove a squatter if the law enforcement officer discovers credible evidence that the individual is not a squatter (the bill previously required credible written evidence that the individual is not a squatter).
- Provide that a property owner can execute an affidavit at the time a law enforcement officer responds to a complaint that a squatter is occupying the owner’s property.
- Establish a cause of action for wrongful removal from property.
Rep. Bauer introduced an amendment that was defeated by voice vote that would have amended the emergency possessory order statutes. The Indiana Apartment Association testified in support of the bill. The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association testified but remained neutral. The amended bill passed 9-3.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/157