Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed into law on Monday a bill that strengthens the rights of homeowners against squatters who illegally occupy their property. (Governor Kay Ivey/X, Getty Images)
"In Alabama, private property rights are paramount. This new law puts would-be squatters on notice that any attempt to hijack and take over someone’s home will be met with swift action by law enforcement. The best dwelling for an illegal squatter is a jail cell, and we in state government should never rest easy until all Alabama homeowners’ rights are fully protected."
The new law will make it easier for homeowners and authorities to remove squatters from illegally occupied dwellings and adds a new definition to the state's classification of third-degree burglary, a class C felony. The new definition states that individuals can be charged with burglary in the third degree if they enter or remain unlawfully in a dwelling and intentionally cause more than $1,000 in damage.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, left, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, signed into law bills to combat illegal squatting earlier this year. (Getty Images)
In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a measure that would increase penalties for individuals occupying property that does not belong to them.
Under the new law, offenders could face a $1,000 fine and possible jail time. If they forge a fake lease, they could be charged with a felony.
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"This is insanity, that people just think they can come in and take over somebody's home. I mean it's just outrageous," Kemp said during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" last month. "It really points to, as we've seen around the country, the lawlessness that's gone on under the Biden administration."
Kyle Morris covers politics for Fox News. Story tips can be sent via email and on X: @RealKyleMorris.
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