The proposed bill, known as the Stop Squatters Act, aims to provide property owners in West Virginia with a streamlined process for removing unauthorized occupants from residential and commercial properties. It establishes a framework that allows property owners or their authorized agents to request immediate removal of unlawful occupants through local law enforcement, provided specific conditions are met, such as the property not being open to the public and the occupants not being current or former tenants. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in handling these requests, including conducting preliminary fact-finding and serving notices to vacate.

In addition to the removal process, the bill introduces several criminal offenses related to unlawful occupancy and property damage. It establishes penalties for individuals who unlawfully occupy properties and cause damage, with misdemeanors for damages under $1,000 and felonies for damages exceeding that amount. Furthermore, it criminalizes the act of presenting false documents related to real property and the fraudulent sale or rental of properties without legal authority, with corresponding penalties for each offense. Overall, the Stop Squatters Act seeks to protect property rights while providing legal recourse for property owners facing unauthorized occupancy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-3D-1, 55-3D-2, 55-3D-3, 55-3D-4