Friends and neighbors,
Many of you have been carefully watching the controversy around squatters and the increasing number of incidents in other states where people unlawfully occupy vacant homes or properties. Often, these squatters claim rights to these properties using obscure legal loopholes or fake documents.
When we talk about squatters, we are fundamentally discussing the rights of property owners. Imagine hard-working individuals who have invested their life’s savings into purchasing a home. They pay their mortgages and they play by the rules. Then, due to circumstances—maybe a job in another city or a family emergency—they have to temporarily leave their property. During their absence, squatters exploit the situation, unlawfully occupy their homes, and refuse to leave.
I’ve had a number of conversations with constituents who are concerned about these stories, and their reactions are universally frustration and disbelief. People are rightfully outraged that squatters can so brazenly claim ownership or tenancy rights. Their anger is made even worse by feelings that the law appears to protect the squatters’ rights more than those of the legitimate property owners.
Recently, Senate Republicans took steps to proactively address this crisis before it hits Minnesota’s borders.
During the debate on that bill, Republicans offered a simple amendment which would allow county sheriffs to remove squatters immediately. This bill would also remove Local Government Aid to those cities that fail to protect property owners from squatters. For most of us, this would be common sense. Unfortunately, the Senate Democrat majority voted it down.
What message are we sending about the rule of law and respect for private property ownership if the Legislature allows this potential crisis to go unchecked? This isn’t a conversation about immigration or other unrelated issues; it’s a clear-cut case of private property rights being violated, and it’s absolutely unacceptable.
I spoke briefly in support of the amendment during the debate. I invite you to watch my comments here: https://fb.watch/rknUj6JoCm/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
God Bless,