Illinois Squatter Bill Signed, Police Get More Power

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 1563, known as the 'Squatter Bill,' into law following heightened media attention and public pressure, including ABC 7's coverage of high-profile squatting cases. The law, effective January 1, 2026, allows police to immediately remove squatters by treating them as trespassers, circumventing the prior lengthy court eviction process. The legislation clarifies the distinction between lawful tenants and unlawful occupants, addressing legal loopholes that had enabled squatters to remain in properties. The bill passed unanimously in the Illinois House with bipartisan support, reflecting widespread concern about squatting. The urgency to sign the bill increased after squatters moved next to a state lawmaker's home. The new law is expected to provide relief to property owners and strengthen law enforcement's ability to remove unauthorized occupants promptly.