LaRe, Edwards Introduce Legislation to Address Squatting

COLUMBUS -State Reps. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) and Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) yesterday introduced legislation to provide homeowners remedies against squatting and increases penalties for squatting.

More specifically, the bill outlines the circumstances under which a property owner may request the county sheriff to intervene and remove an individual from their property.

"This bill will directly protect Ohio property owners and close loopholes in Ohio law that squatters may currently be able to take advantage of," said LaRe.

"It's important we protect the rights of our home and property owners," said Edwards. "This legislation will provide a clear and expedient way for owners to have squatters removed from their properties."

The legislation will also designate squatting as a first-degree misdemeanor. If the individual causes damage to the property totaling more than $5,000, the penalty will increase to a fourth-degree felony.

The legislation awaits a bill number and House committee assignment.