Oneida Times

Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C-New Hartford) stood alongside his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference to voice his support for changes to New York’s laws concerning squatters’ rights. The Assemblyman was particularly endorsing Assembly Bill 6894 proposed by Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay), which aims to safeguard homeowners' rights and address the issue of squatting.

"The Property Protection Act is meant to close the massive loopholes in the law and face the squatting crisis head-on. To address this issue, our proposal uses straightforward common sense to reduce the danger of squatters from overtaking the homeowner’s property. Squatters do not deserve protection under our housing laws, but they do deserve to be treated like the criminals they are. It is time to act and protect New Yorkers and their homes," said Miller.

The proposed bill seeks to extend the timeframe for squatters to gain homeowner rights from 30 days to 45 days, while also granting police the authority to arrest trespassers. These changes are intended to provide greater protection to homeowners against the threat of losing their properties to squatters and to empower law enforcement to remove offenders promptly.

Recent tragic incidents in Manhattan, where two squatters took the life of a woman in her mother’s apartment, and where a homeowner was arrested for attempting to evict trespassers, have underscored the urgency of addressing the issues of trespassing and squatting in communities. These events serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to uphold property rights, enforce the rule of law, and ensure the safety and security of citizens.

In conclusion, the advocacy for the Property Protection Act reflects a crucial step towards closing legal gaps and combatting the challenges posed by squatting. By taking proactive measures to address this issue, lawmakers aim to safeguard the interests of New Yorkers and protect their homes from unlawful encroachment.