Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has taken the decision to veto a bill designed to bolster the rights of homeowners seeking to evict squatters from their properties.
This action comes despite the bill receiving bipartisan support and amidst a surge of squatting cases causing distress among homeowners nationwide.
You get what you elect. https://t.co/E0iTXq9yZN
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 25, 2024
Fox News reports that the legislation in question, SB 1129, aimed to empower homeowners by allowing them to request law enforcement intervention for the immediate removal of squatters from their premises if the squatter had unlawfully occupied the property and asserted a false right to reside there.
Police would have been authorized to swiftly intervene under the proposed law and facilitate the eviction process based on the homeowner’s affidavit.
Hobbs, however, took a decisive step on Tuesday, rejecting the bill in a succinct letter addressed to the president of the State Senate.
“Today I vetoed Senate Bill 1129,” Hobbs penned. “This bill fails to leverage existing legal mechanisms, respect the due process rights of lawful tenants, and minimize unintended consequences such as for victims of domestic violence.”
Senate Bill 1129 was one of 10 measures vetoed by Hobbs on Tuesday, bringing the total number of rejected bills this legislative session to 52.Â
Hobbs set a record last year with 143 vetoes, surpassing former Gov. Janet Napolitano’s single-year veto record of 58 in 2005.
In Arizona right now, if squatters break into your home and refuse to leave, the only way to evict them is through a costly and time-consuming legal process. Illegals have become aware of this; there are literally TikTok guides encouraging foreigners to steal Americans' homes.…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 25, 2024
Hobbs did not elaborate on her rationale for rejecting Senate Bill 1129, however, the veto drew swift criticism, particularly from the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Wendy Rogers.Â
Rogers denounced Hobbs’ decision, arguing, “This bill has absolutely nothing to do with landlord-tenant law and has exemptions for family members and anyone with an agreement to cohabitate.”
Rogers asserted in a statement, questioning whether Hobbs had thoroughly reviewed the bill’s content. She also emphasized the urgency of addressing criminal attempts to unlawfully seize homes, posing threats to homeowners’ safety and encroaching upon their property rights.Â
“Although we have trespassing laws, it’s often difficult to prove a person is unlawfully occupying a home and can result in a lengthy legal battle,” Rogers explained.
Rogers cited testimony from homeowners during committee hearings to highlight the severity of the issue, expressing feelings of violation due to property damage and the financial burden of repairs.Â
Both Florida and Georgia have notably enacted legislation fortifying homeowners’ rights against squatters, per Fox News.
Commandeering a private residence through “squatting” is a scam that violates private property rights.
While some states are choosing to indulge this behavior, Florida is putting an end to it.
Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/ESBuwgtFZH
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 27, 2024
Resist The Mainstream has reported on the growing trend of squatters occupying homeowner’s properties across the nation in recent months.
A New York City woman found herself in handcuffs last month after a fiery showdown with a squatter who laid claim to her million-dollar family abode.
Adele Andaloro inherited a property nestled in the calm streets of Flushing, Queens. She was blindsided when she discovered the front door swapped and locks altered, signaling unauthorized occupants.
Andaloro marched to her family’s $1M residence, accompanied by local media, and called a locksmith to restore the locks.Â
The ensuing clash, captured on camera, reached a boiling point, prompting law enforcement to intervene and escort two individuals off the premises.
BREAKING: NYC homeowner is arrested for changing the locks of her home to kick out squatters who broke in.
In New York, people illegally living in your property automatically become the legal
tenants after 30 days.NYPD police arrested Adele Andaloro for unlawful eviction of… pic.twitter.com/YyaMxCe7wy
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 19, 2024
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) has been an outspoken critic of cities that are soft on the treatment of squatters
“Squatters have no rights,” Fetterman said. “How can you even pretend that this is anything other than you’re just breaking the law?”
