Texas Bill Aims to Keep Squatters Out of Homes

A bill has been filed in the Texas Senate aiming to stop squatters from using an obscure law to move into vacant or foreclosed homes.

The Dallas Morning News reports the bill filed last week would require prospective squatters to provide written notice to anyone who has a claim on a property they’re targeting under the “adverse possession” law.

Without proof of notification, county clerks would reject paperwork filed by squatters trying to lay claim to vacated property.

While the proposed legislation wouldn’t outlaw adverse possession, it stipulates that an affidavit of adverse possession is not a property title.

Tarrant County Constable Clint Burgess asked Sen. Jane Nelson, a Republican from Flower Mound, to sponsor the legislation. He says it will help prevent misuse of the law.