Senate Bill

SB 157

Protection of property rights.

In plain English

Defines a "squatter" as someone who occupies another person's property without a rental agreement, the owner's permission, or any other legal interest. Lets an owner sign an affidavit (a sworn written statement) saying a squatter is on the property, and requires police to remove the squatter within 48 hours unless officers find credible evidence the person is not a squatter. Gives police certain legal protections, creates a way to sue for wrongful removal, and makes other changes.

Written by AI from the official digest below, and checked only by automated rules. If they differ, the official digest and bill text control.

Official digest

Defines "squatter" as an individual who occupies the property of another and who does not have and has never had: (1) a rental agreement; (2) permission of the owner; or (3) another legal interest in the property. Permits a property owner to execute an affidavit stating that a squatter is occupying the person's property, and requires a law enforcement agency to dispatch one or more law enforcement officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours (or a later period if necessary for reasons of public safety). Provides that a property owner can execute an affidavit at the time a law enforcement officer responds to a complaint that a squatter is occupying the owner's property. Requires a dispatched law enforcement officer to remove the squatter from the property unless the law enforcement officer discovers credible evidence that the person is not a squatter. Provides that a law enforcement agency may create a form affidavit. Provides certain immunities to a law enforcement agency and a law enforcement officer. Establishes a cause of action for wrongful removal from property.

Latest action: Signed by the Governor, May 6, 2025Full text and history at iga.in.gov

Authors and sponsors

Mike Gaskill, Scott Baldwin, Mike Young, Joanna King

Co-authors and co-sponsors: Lonnie Randolph, Aaron Freeman, Gary Byrne, Blake Doriot, Linda Rogers, David Niezgodski, Michelle Davis, David Abbott, Tim O'Brien

Roll-call votes

5 recorded votes, oldest first. Third-reading votes decide whether a bill passes a chamber; amendment votes and procedural motions are listed too.

Senate · Jan 30, 2025

Second reading: amendment

Roll call text: SB 157 - Gaskill - 2nd Reading

Failed

8 yes40 no2 did not vote

Republicans: 0 yes, 38 no, 1 did not voteDemocrats: 8 yes, 1 no, 1 did not voteNot matched to a current member: 0 yes, 1 no

How each member voted

Senate · Feb 3, 2025

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: SB 157 - Gaskill - 3rd Reading

Passed

48 yes1 no1 did not vote

Republicans: 39 yes, 0 noDemocrats: 8 yes, 1 no, 1 did not voteNot matched to a current member: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

House · Mar 31, 2025

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: SB 157 - King - 3rd Reading

Passed

74 yes18 no8 did not vote

Republicans: 65 yes, 0 no, 5 did not voteDemocrats: 9 yes, 16 no, 3 did not voteIndependents: 0 yes, 1 noNot matched to a current member: 0 yes, 1 no

How each member voted

Yes (74)

No (18)

Did not vote (8)

Senate · Apr 24, 2025

Final vote: concurrence or conference report

Roll call text: SB 157 - Gaskill

Passed

50 yes0 no

Republicans: 39 yes, 0 noDemocrats: 10 yes, 0 noNot matched to a current member: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

House · Apr 24, 2025

Final vote: concurrence or conference report

Roll call text: SB 157 - King

Passed

84 yes6 no10 did not vote

Republicans: 64 yes, 0 no, 6 did not voteDemocrats: 19 yes, 5 no, 4 did not voteIndependents: 0 yes, 1 noNot matched to a current member: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

Yes (84)

No (6)

Did not vote (10)

Source: Open States, compiled from the Indiana General Assembly's official roll calls. The official record at iga.in.gov controls. Spot an error? Let us know.