Texas HB4299 creates a criminal offense for squatting and allows property owners to request removal of unauthorized occupants.

Texas HB4299 amends the Penal Code to establish a criminal offense for squatting, where a person occupies another's property without consent. This offense is classified as a state jail felony. The bill also amends the Property Code to allow property owners, their agents, or authorized occupants to request a sheriff to remove unauthorized occupants. The sheriff must serve notice on the occupant, who has three days to provide evidence disputing the owner's claim. If insufficient evidence is provided, the sheriff must remove the occupant and arrest them for squatting.

Texas HB4299 creates a criminal offense for squatting and allows property owners to request removal of unauthorized occupants.

Texas HB4299 amends the Penal Code to establish a criminal offense for squatting, where a person occupies another's property without consent. This offense is classified as a state jail felony. The bill also amends the Property Code to allow property owners, their agents, or authorized occupants to request a sheriff to remove unauthorized occupants. The sheriff must serve notice on the occupant, who has three days to provide evidence disputing the owner's claim. If insufficient evidence is provided, the sheriff must remove the occupant and arrest them for squatting.