summary
Introduced
01/24/2024
01/24/2024
In Committee
03/13/2024
03/13/2024
Crossed Over
02/29/2024
02/29/2024
Passed
04/24/2024
04/24/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/24/2024
04/24/2024
Introduced Session
2023-2024 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Code Section 15-10-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the general jurisdiction and authority of magistrate to act, so as to include certain criminal trespass violations; to amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, so as to provide for the offense of unlawful squatting violations where a person enters a land or premises for purposes of residing on such land or premises; to provide for a definition; to provide for a violations and penalties; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 11 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to proceedings against intruders, so as to provide for the submission of a property affidavit in magistrate court; to provide time frame for turning out person or persons; to provide for counteraffidavits; to provide for officers and certified individuals; to provide for monetary relief; to provide that proceedings regarding a writ of possession are not required to be jury trials; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, the "Georgia Squatter Reform Act," makes several key changes:
1. It expands the jurisdiction of magistrate courts to include the trial and sentencing of unlawful squatting violations and proceedings against intruders and unlawful squatters.
2. It creates a new criminal offense of "unlawful squatting" where a person enters and resides on someone else's property without the owner's knowledge or consent. Offenders must provide documentation authorizing their presence, or face arrest and potential penalties.
3. It modifies the process for ejecting intruders from property, allowing sheriffs, deputies, constables, or other certified individuals to turn out a person within 3 days of receiving a property affidavit, unless the person submits a counteraffidavit.
4. It specifies that proceedings regarding a writ of possession do not require a jury trial, and allows the court to award the property owner fair market rent and other monetary relief from the unlawful occupant.
Overall, the bill aims to provide a streamlined legal process for addressing unauthorized occupation of private property in Georgia.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
James Burchett (R)*,
Clint Crowe (R)*,
Matt Reeves (R)*,
Devan Seabaugh (R)*,
Deborah Silcox (R)*,
Bill Yearta (R)*,
Ed Setzler (R),
Last Action
Effective Date 2024-04-24 (on 04/24/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/66263 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/228870 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/226032 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/225495 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/221704 |
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