Georgia strengthens property rights against illegal occupiers.

Georgia lawmakers appear to be taking a major step toward protecting property owners from people who illegally occupy homes with what is known as the Latchkey Reform Act. The Georgia House and Senate voted unanimously on proposed legislation 1017.

Now, illegal occupation of private property will become a criminal offense rather than a civil one. This means that legal owners will be able to evict those without rights more quickly. This move is expected to bring relief to residents like Dan Rogers, who previously felt that intruders had more legal protection than property owners.

According to the Lazutchikov Reform Act, individuals must provide authentic documents proving their right to occupy property within three working days, or they risk arrest for trespassing.

Under the current law in Georgia, property owners are required to file an "Affidavit of Trespasser" with the court system to evict trespassers from their property, which can take weeks or months. Rogers, who owns property in Muscogee County, hopes that the new law will serve as a deterrent for those who have previously tried to take advantage of the situation. He believes that this law encourages people to do the right thing.

The bill was sent to Governor Brian Kemp this week and is awaiting his signature to take effect. Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox.