Frontier Institute Statement In Support Of SB 101

The ‘Stop Squatters Act’ will protect Montanans' fundamental property rights

HELENA – Today, the Frontier Institute offered support for SB 101, the “Stop Squatters Act,”  a bill which clarifies Montana’s laws surrounding squatting and establishes a framework for the removal of unauthorized occupants. By defining unlawful squatting and creating clear enforcement mechanisms, the bill ensures that property owners can protect their investments and reclaim their property swiftly and fairly.

“Montanans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to enforce their property rights,” said Tanner Avery, Policy Director at Frontier Institute. “SB 101 sets the record straight—squatting is a criminal violation of property rights, plain and simple. This bill makes it clear that Montana is committed to standing up for property owners while ensuring fair enforcement of the law.”

SB 101 does four key things:

• Establishes a difference between squatting and tenant disputes: Clearly distinguishes unlawful squatting from legitimate landlord-tenant disagreements to ensure proper legal treatment.
• Makes squatting a criminal offense: Defines squatting as a violation of criminal law, reinforcing the seriousness of property rights violations.
• Addresses common ways in which squatters manipulate the law: Tackles loopholes that allow squatters to delay removal and misuse legal protections.
• Provides for an enforcement mechanism: Empowers law enforcement with a clear process to remove squatters who violate property rights.

Frontier Institute has called for further protections for property rights, emphasizing their importance as a cornerstone of liberty, economic opportunity, and individual autonomy.