Texas Politics

Abbott Signs Anti-Squatter Bills to Protect Texas Property Owners

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) ceremonially signed Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 1333 into law at the Texas Capitol, aiming to close legal loopholes and give property owners stronger tools to evict squatters and protect private property rights.

“Private property rights are a cornerstone of our Texas values,” said Governor Abbott during the signing ceremony. “Texas is facing a squatting crisis, with property owners struggling to evict delinquent tenants or remove people who were never supposed to be on their property in the first place. Through these new laws, homeowners now have an efficient means of evicting squatters from their property.”

Speaker Dustin Burrows (R), Senators Bryan Hughes (R) and Paul Bettencourt (R), Representatives Angie Chen Button (R) and Jeff Leach (R), along with leaders from the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and real estate firm Greystar, joined Abbott.

Senate Bill 38 clarifies eviction procedures by streamlining venue requirements and mandating that trials in eviction cases take place within 21 days of filing. It also standardizes the timeline for appeals.

Senate Bill 1333 enables sheriffs and constables to act quickly on sworn complaints from property owners claiming a squatter has taken unlawful possession. The law also increases criminal penalties for criminal mischief, trespassing, and fraudulent real estate transactions.

The move comes as Texas grapples with a rise in squatting cases, sparking calls for more efficient legal remedies for homeowners and landlords.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.

Recent Posts

Ted Cruz, John Cornyn Strongly React to James Comey Indictment

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R) and John Cornyn (R) have forcefully responded to the indictment…

12 hours ago

Chip Roy Presses CPS Energy for Answers on Transmission Line Impact

U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R) is pressing AEP Transmission and CPS Energy for answers regarding…

15 hours ago

LONESTAR — 9.26.2025 — Texas Republicans Distance Themselves From DOJ Redistricting Letter — Cornyn Gains 15 GOP Endorsements — and More...

Texas Republicans Admit DOJ Letter was "Mistake" Behind Redistricting Push Texas Republicans are distancing themselves…

18 hours ago

August Pfluger Demands Tech Platforms Address Extremist Content

U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R) has, in the wake of the assassination of political commentator…

1 day ago

State Legislature’s Attempt to Rein in Housing Finance Corporations Ignores the Texas Constitution

The Texas Constitution is explicit: lawmakers cannot retroactively impair contracts or strip away legal rights.…

1 day ago

John Cornyn Scores 15 Endorsements From GOP Members

At once floundering in his re-election bid, Senator John Cornyn (R) continues to rack up…

1 day ago