Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced plans to strengthen anti-squatter laws, stressing that private property rights are a fundamental aspect of Texas values. During his State of the State address, Abbott highlighted the issue's relevance to both community safety and housing issues. Collaborative efforts are underway in the Texas Legislature, with State Sen. Paul Bettencourt and State Rep. Angie Chen Button aiming to draft legislation to address squatting effectively. Current laws designate short-term squatting as illegal but also grant squatters certain rights under adverse possession, complicating enforcement actions.
"Private property rights are a cornerstone of our values and legal system," Abbott said. "It is against the law to live or stay on somebody's property without their permission. We need stronger laws to immediately remove and prosecute squatters."
State Rep. Angie Chen Button emphasized the issue's importance, stating, "It not only threatens community safety, it impacts housing affordability and availability."
State Sen. Paul Bettencourt expressed anticipation to join in filing a "strong anti-squatting bill" in both chambers of the Texas Legislature.
The article highlights that Texas has existing squatters' rights legislation, which allows certain protections for individuals claiming ownership through adverse possession.
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