New York Republican lawmaker State Sen. Mario Mattera is pushing for a bill that would allow police to evict squatters immediately, aiming to address the squatting “epidemic” in the state. Mattera highlighted disturbing cases of violence and murder linked to squatting incidents. He introduced a bill package that includes Senate Bill S8867, which would enable police to evict suspected squatters based on a homeowner’s sworn testimony complaint. Mattera drew inspiration from a similar bill in Florida signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and called on Democrats in New York to support his bill, which he believes will restore law and order in the state.
The issue of squatting has become more prominent in New York due to existing laws that allow individuals to claim squatters’ rights after residing in a property for a certain period of time. This has led to cases of squatters moving into empty homes or properties of recently deceased individuals, causing legal homeowners lengthy court battles to evict them. Mattera’s bill seeks to redefine the definition of “occupant” to exclude squatters, provide protection for individuals wrongfully removed from a property, and give law enforcement the tools to tackle squatting effectively. He emphasized the need to repeal cashless bail laws, which he believes have enabled criminals to repeatedly offend and avoid consequences.
Mattera connected the issue of squatting in New York to the influx of illegal migrants in the state, pointing out a surge in their presence in New York City. He criticized Gov. Hochul and Mayor Adams for maintaining sanctuary city and state policies that he believes have enabled migrants to exploit local squatting laws. Mattera highlighted instances of migrant squatters involved in criminal activities, such as taking over properties with guns and drugs, which further underscores the need for legislative action to address the problem. He called on New Yorkers to demand accountability from their leaders and support efforts to combat squatting and related issues.
The Republican lawmaker stressed the urgency of passing his bill to address the growing concerns around squatting in New York, citing examples of violent and criminal incidents tied to squatters. He emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to remove unauthorized occupants from properties and restore safety and security for legal homeowners. Mattera expressed disappointment in the lack of Democratic support on squatting issues but remained hopeful that bipartisan efforts, as seen in a similar bill in the New York Assembly, could drive necessary changes in the state to deter squatting and related criminal activities. He urged leaders to prioritize public safety and take action to address the underlying factors contributing to the squatting problem in New York.
Mattera highlighted the impact of squatting on residents’ sense of safety and security, noting that many individuals have left New York due to concerns about public safety and the enforcement of existing laws. He pointed to the tragic shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller as a stark example of the consequences of ineffective laws, such as cashless bail, that allow repeat offenders to roam free. Mattera stressed the need for immediate action to repeal cashless bail and implement measures like his bill to tackle issues related to squatting, illegal migration, and criminal activities in the state. He underscored the importance of restoring law and order policies to New York to address the challenges faced by residents and communities.
As squatting issues continue to escalate in New York, Mattera urged leaders to prioritize public safety and take concrete steps to address the root causes of the problem. He criticized policies that enable criminal behavior and exploitation of squatting laws, calling for bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation that will provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat squatting effectively. Mattera’s bill package seeks to redefine existing laws, protect legal homeowners from wrongful removal, and deter criminal activities linked to squatting. By addressing squatting and related issues, Mattera aims to restore safety and security for residents and deter criminal elements from exploiting loopholes in the law.
