This bill introduces the offense of unlawful squatting into Nebraska law by amending section 28-101 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024. Unlawful squatting is defined as entering and residing on another person's land or premises with the intent to claim ownership or appropriate the property without the owner's consent. The bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement officers, who are required to issue a warning citation if they have probable cause to believe unlawful squatting has occurred. Probable cause may be established through signs of abandonment or the presence of non-permanent structures on the property.

The bill also specifies that individuals receiving a warning citation must appear before law enforcement within three business days to present documentation proving their right to reside on the property. Acceptable documentation includes deeds, rental agreements, or proof of rental payments, which can be provided in photographic or electronic form. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in arrest for unlawful squatting, which is classified as a Class I misdemeanor upon conviction. The original section 28-101 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-101