SPRINGFIELD – To assist community members and homeowners, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced a measure Wednesday to provide guidance to law enforcement that simplifies the process for removing criminal trespassers from a person's home.

“This will clarify the law and help communities better respond to unlawful trespassing,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Without clarity for law enforcement, oftentimes this issue resorts to eviction. This legislation gives appropriate guidance to ensure they can enforce criminal laws.”

This legislation responds to local squatters who snuck into a home while the owner was away. Law enforcement told the owner that they could not remove the squatters and that the homeowner would need to file an eviction.

Senate Bill 1563 would add a provision to the state’s eviction law affirming that nothing about the eviction process keeps police from enforcing criminal laws. As a result, it clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Many folks in my community have spoken about issues posed by squatters, and we are taking action make sure residents can easily and safely return to their homes,” Collins said. “Tenants have rights and trespassers do not. This is simple but powerful clarification.”

Senate Bill 1563 passed Senate on Wednesday.