H8066

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

Introduced·2/27/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island H8066 defines squatter and provides remedies for property owners, including police assistance to remove squatters.

Rhode Island H8066 amends the General Laws to define a squatter as someone occupying a dwelling unit without authorization from the property owner, landlord, or tenant. The bill specifies that squatters are not afforded tenant rights and protections. It allows landlords or property owners to seek police assistance to remove squatters and recover possession through civil proceedings. Squatting is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The act also includes provisions for penalties under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDI
3
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 18

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 18

House

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Mar 13

House

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/18/2026)

Feb 27

House

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary