Gov. Greg Abbott has ceremonially signed two measures into law that empower property owners to deal with unauthorized occupants and establish criminal penalties for squatters.
At a ceremony this week, Abbott stated, “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.”
Senate Bill 38, filed by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R–Houston), streamlines the eviction process for delinquent renters by allowing a motion for summary judgment to be filed when the facts are not disputed.
The measure would reduce backlogs and average case duration in eviction courts by creating uniform processes to serve writs to tenants.
Lastly, the bill stipulates that the Texas Supreme Court must adopt rules to clarify the eviction process.
Bettencourt celebrated the passage of SB 38 on X, writing, “Texans can ‘Come and Take It’ back from squatters through swift law enforcement action & less reliance on lengthy court battles.”
Meanwhile, State Sen. Bryan Hughes’ (R–Mineola) Senate Bill 1333 creates additional circumstances under which squatters can be removed from a property.
Under the measure, property owners can request an immediate removal of the trespasser by a sheriff or constable if the property was not open to the public, the person had been directed to vacate the property but failed to do so, or the person was not a current or former leaseholder.
Moreover, the measure creates penalties for those who knowingly create false documents to convey ownership or leaseholder status.
Individuals found guilty of advertising a property for rental or sale, or those found guilty of renting and selling a property without legal title and authority, can be charged with a felony.
Hughes wrote on X after the governor signed the bill, “Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and with this bill, we’re making sure Texas remains a place where hard work is honored and private property is protected.”
SB 1333 takes effect on September 1 this year. SB 38 takes effect on January 1, 2026.
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