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 law enforcement agency is required to conduct preliminary fact-finding to determine the validity of the complaint before serving a notice to vacate. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a civil cause of action for wrongful removal and outlines penalties for property owners who submit false complaints.

Furthermore, the bill introduces criminal offenses related to unlawful occupancy and property damage. It categorizes unlawful occupation and intentional damage to property into misdemeanor and felony offenses, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment based on the extent of the damage caused. The legislation also criminalizes the act of knowingly presenting false documents related to real property and the fraudulent sale or lease of properties without legal authority, establishing corresponding penalties for these offenses. 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