Assemblyman Michael Torrissi Jr. spearheads legislation to combat squatting

TRENTON – In the face of a national crisis fueled by brazen squatters seizing homes across the country, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi Jr. (R-Hammonton) is leading the charge to protect property rights and restore law and order by introducing Bill A731.

A731 would criminalize the unlawful occupancy of residences. Currently, squatting is not a criminal act, and owners of properties have to go through the courts to evict squatters.

The bill is in direct response to the alarming instances of families returning from vacations or extended trips only to find their homes hijacked by opportunistic squatters.  There have also been national headlines of people closing on properties only to have squatters move in during the process. With the introduction of Bill A731, Torrissi. is taking decisive action to protect homeowners and property rights.

"Squatters have been making front-page news far too often, terrorizing homeowners and exploiting legal loopholes to evade justice," declared Torrissi. "We need to take decisive action and put an end to this egregious violation of property rights. This bill sends a clear message - squatting will not be tolerated in our communities. It’s time we fight back."

Under the current legal landscape, squatters operate with impunity, taking advantage of cumbersome eviction procedures and leaving rightful homeowners powerless to reclaim their properties. To lawfully evict a squatter, property owners are burdened with navigating a complex legal process, often resulting in prolonged disputes and financial strain.

Assemblyman Torrissi's bill would establish clear and enforceable guidelines by creating three new criminal offenses: housebreaking, unlawful occupancy, and unlawful reentry. These offenses would be classified as crimes of the fourth degree, sending a strong message that squatting will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods. 

"This bill will also give police the tools they need to help people. The law, as it stands, renders them powerless, and I’m sure they are just as upset about this issue as everyone else," Torrissi said.