NY pols take aim at squatters with ‘crystal clear’ laws favoring homeowners after series of takeovers
NY Post
New York lawmakers are pushing a flurry of bills on squatters, declaring enough is enough after a series of disturbing home takeovers in the Big Apple and elsewhere.
“There have unfortunately been several instances of squatters attempting to — or even succeeding — in taking over private homes,” Democrat Sen. John Liu told The Post Wednesday, crediting The Post and others for shining a light on some of the harrowing squatter incidents.
“It’s been captured quite vividly by the media, including this publication, that has brought to our attention a problem that needed to be addressed.”
Liu introduced Senate Bill 8996 on April 8 along with Assemblyman Ron Kim, a Democrat, which was sponsored by more than half a dozen Senate lawmakers.
The bill came amid a wave of alarming incidents where homeowners were pushed out of their own homes after squatters had staked their claims.
Less than two weeks later, language from Liu’s bill was included in the $237 billion budget agreement which was signed into law over the weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
