SPRINGFIELD - To assist community members and homeowners, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced a measure Wednesday to provide guidance to law enforcement that simplifies the process for removing criminal trespassers from a person's home.

"For homeowners who have had to deal with squatters and those living on property without permission, this helps clarify the law," said Collins (D-Chicago). "Oftentimes, law enforcement is unclear about what to do about squatters and so the issue is often left to the eviction process. This legislation clarifies that squatters–who are trespassers–can be removed under the appropriate criminal trespass laws."

This legislation responds to local squatters who snuck into a home while the owner was away. Law enforcement told the owner that they could not remove the squatters and that the homeowner would need to file an eviction.

Senate Bill 1563 would add a provision to the state’s eviction law that nothing about the eviction process keeps the police from enforcing our criminal laws. As a result, it clarifies that squatters–who are trespassers–can be removed without going through the eviction process.

"Squatters have been a problem my constituents have raised across the district and clarity for law enforcement is essential to avoid an unneeded and lengthy process to return someone’s home to them safely," Collins said. "Tenants have rights and trespassers do not. This is simple but powerful clarification."

Senate Bill 1563 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

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