HomeNewsHouse passes White's anti-squatter bill; 5 local Dems vote no

House passes White’s anti-squatter bill; 5 local Dems vote no

The state House of Representatives has approved a bill authored by Rep. Martina White that would create a process in which police would have greater authority to assist in the removal of a squatter.

Martina White

House Bill 365 is meant to address situations whereby a person requests that the police remove illegal trespassers from their property but when the police arrive, the person claims to be a tenant or owner. Sometimes, the person will even present fraudulent documents to bolster the claim.

This puts police officers in a difficult situation, White believes, leaving them unable to act. The homeowner is left with no legal recourse other than proceeding with an eviction, which can take months and be very difficult and expensive, according to White.

“The issue of squatters in Philadelphia has gotten out of hand,” White said. “This is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with. No one who has a home should be left homeless because someone illegally moved in and claim they have a right to live there.”

Under the bill, a property owner may initiate an investigation by filing an affidavit with the police. The affidavit is then signed under penalty of perjury, with a person who makes a false statement in an affidavit open to civil lawsuit for any damages resulting from the false statement.

If probable cause exists to believe the person is on the property unlawfully, a law enforcement officer will be required to obtain a search warrant and enter the property for the purpose of removing the person.

The bill does not prevent local municipalities from instituting additional protections.

White’s bill passed 155-44. All 44 votes in opposition came from Democrats, including Reps. Kevin Boyle, Joe Hohenstein, Jason Dawkins, Jared Solomon and Isabella Fitzgerald.

Among those voting for the bill were White and fellow Republican Rep. Tom Murt and Democratic Reps. Mike Driscoll and Ed Neilson.

House Bill 365 now goes to the Senate for consideration. ••

Previous article
Next article
Philadelphia
few clouds
26.3 ° F
28.3 °
23.4 °
65 %
2.6mph
20 %
Mon
38 °
Tue
40 °
Wed
41 °
Thu
42 °
Fri
36 °

STAY CONNECTED

11,235FansLike
2,089FollowersFollow

Related articles

2

Fundraiser for Magee, ALS

November 27, 2024

4

Getting in the holiday spirit

November 25, 2024

9

Keystone Academy tackles bullying

November 14, 2024

14

Be All You Can Be

October 24, 2024

19

Around Town

October 14, 2024

20

Famous Birthdays

October 14, 2024

22

Reunions

October 10, 2024

24

Community Pride Award for GBCL

September 30, 2024

29

Around Town

September 28, 2024

32

Scholars

September 28, 2024

33

Sports briefs

September 28, 2024

34

Jerry McGovern, at your service

September 28, 2024

35

A family affair

September 28, 2024

36

Manor opens Nursing Skills Lab

September 28, 2024

37

Gill wants penalties for ‘car...

September 28, 2024
Community Calendar

38

Community Calendar

September 28, 2024

39

Chloe is a snuggler

September 28, 2024