The House Criminal Justice Committee initiated hearings on House Bill 478, a piece of legislation aimed at providing homeowners with remedies against squatting and increasing penalties for such activities. The bill’s sponsors, State Reps. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) and Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville), made the announcement.
The proposed law will clearly define the conditions under which a property owner can seek the county sheriff’s intervention to evict an individual from their property.
LaRe stated during sponsor testimony, “This is a preventative measure that will directly protect Ohio property owners and close loopholes in Ohio law that squatters currently are able to take advantage of.”
Edwards echoed these sentiments, stating, “We need to send a clear message that squatting will never be tolerated in this state and property owners have the right to defend and protect their property.”
The bill also aims to increase penalties for squatting, designating it as a first-degree misdemeanor. If an individual causes damage to the property exceeding $5,000, the penalty escalates to a fourth-degree felony.
House Bill 478 is now awaiting further deliberation by the House Criminal Justice Committee.
