Homeowners are fighting back.
Wyoming has become the latest state to propose new legislation aimed at giving property owners and law enforcement more power to combat squatting, following similar measures in New York, Florida, and Georgia. Recently approved by the state’s Joint Judiciary Committee with a 10-4 vote, the bill is now awaiting approval from the state Senate. If passed, the legislation would classify squatting that results in property damage as a felony, carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The law would also allow property owners to call law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants, provided there are no ongoing legal disputes over the property. Currently, law enforcement agencies in Wyoming, and elsewhere, often lack the authority to intervene in squatting cases, advising property owners to resolve the issue through civil court instead. The bill was sparked by a disturbing experience of Casper realtor Ronna Boril, who encountered squatters after evicting a previous tenant for nonpayment. Boril was shocked when she discovered unfamiliar men inside the property, claiming to have a lease but unable to provide any paperwork. After calling the police, Boril was told that she would need to pursue the matter in civil court. The following morning, she found the property severely damaged, costing her thousands of dollars to clean and repair.
Senator Jim Anderson, who sponsored the bill, was initially surprised to learn that squatting was a widespread issue in Wyoming. Conversations with other realtors revealed that the problem was not limited to major coastal cities but was affecting communities across the state. Anderson’s bill is modeled after Florida’s HB 621, which was passed earlier this year.
The committee also approved additional legislation making it a criminal offense to use fraudulent documents to gain or maintain control of property. Attorney Joseph Cammarata, while supporting the bill’s intent, raised concerns about provisions granting immunity to police officers when removing squatters. He also questioned the provision that would require homeowners to pay for law enforcement services in such cases, pointing out that taxpayers already fund police services. Anderson acknowledged these concerns, noting that the bill could undergo revisions before its final passage.
While Cammarata expressed skepticism about the $10,000 fine for squatters, he acknowledged the bill’s symbolic value, stating that collecting such fines would likely be challenging, especially given that many squatters are homeless.
