The Wyoming Legislature is taking action to address the growing issue of squatting in residential properties, a problem that law enforcement and property owners say is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, Casper Star Tribune reports.
On Thursday, the Joint Judiciary Committee voted to sponsor two bills in the upcoming 2025 legislative session aimed at providing a legal framework to remove unauthorized occupants from residential properties.
The legislation comes after concerns raised by Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters, who told lawmakers in June that squatting has become a significant issue in the state.
“We’ve done pretty much everything we can, even at great expense to us… But it’s not just about Casper. This is happening across our state,” McPheeters said.
Squatting, which occurs when individuals occupy vacant homes without permission, has plagued several Wyoming communities, including Casper, where transient individuals often refuse to leave after occupying a property. Law enforcement typically handles such cases as civil disputes, citing difficulty in verifying whether the occupant is a legitimate tenant. As a result, property owners struggle to reclaim their homes, sometimes facing property damage and mounting legal costs.
The first bill, “Residential property-removal of unlawful occupant,” explicitly grants property owners the right to seek law enforcement assistance in removing unauthorized occupants from their homes. The legislation aims to protect both owners and law enforcement officers from liability during the removal process. Specifically, the bill states that law enforcement will not be held liable for any damage to property during removal, provided the process is conducted in accordance with the law.
Additionally, the bill proposes penalties for those who provide fraudulent documentation to claim residency. A misdemeanor charge would be imposed for providing false documents, punishable by up to six months in prison, a $750 fine, or both. More severe penalties are outlined for individuals who unlawfully occupy or damage property, including felony charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The second bill, “Use of fraudulent documents to wrongfully possess property,” targets individuals who use false documentation to gain or retain possession of a property. This offense could lead to up to 10 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Both bills aim to provide more efficient legal tools for property owners and law enforcement to combat squatting while also ensuring due process is maintained.
While the bills received broad support in committee, there was some opposition from lawmakers concerned about potential overreach. Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie, expressed concern that the proposed legislation could bypass due process.
“This legislation lets law enforcement act as judge, juror, and executioner… But it’s not just about Casper. This is happening across our state,” Chestek said.
Opponents also raised questions about whether existing trespassing laws were sufficient to address the issue. Wyoming’s current laws already allow law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants if they refuse to leave after being asked by the property owner or law enforcement. Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker noted that the existing trespassing laws have been effective in his jurisdiction, but he acknowledged that larger cities like Casper may face unique challenges.
The issue of squatting is not limited to Casper. As transient populations continue to move through Wyoming, the problem has become more widespread, affecting both urban and rural areas. In some cases, squatter-related issues have made it difficult for property owners to sell or even visit their homes.
Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen highlighted the strain this problem places on the legal system.
“It’s a tremendous problem. It’s a growing problem,” Itzen said.
He also pointed out that court backlogs, fueled by an overwhelming number of criminal cases, make it even harder to address squatting issues in a timely manner.
As lawmakers work toward a solution, the proposed legislation aims to strike a balance between protecting property rights and ensuring that legal processes are followed. If passed, the bills will provide new tools for property owners and law enforcement to address squatting in Wyoming, a problem that continues to impact communities across the state.
