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The Protecting Homeowners from Squatters Act

USA119th CongressHR-9472| House 
| Updated: 7/17/2026
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Financial Services Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation aims to combat squatting by imposing financial penalties on local governments that are deemed to permit the practice. It defines "squatting" as unlawfully entering a property and residing there for a specified number of consecutive days without the owner's permission or a rental agreement, asserting that such actions should not confer tenant status. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development prohibit the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to units of general local government that permit squatting or grant special tenancy rights to squatters. These local governments can take corrective actions to regain eligibility, and the Secretary must publicly list non-compliant jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill prohibits various forms of Federal mortgage support for residential loans secured by properties in municipalities ineligible for CDBG funds due to squatting. This includes insurance or guarantees from agencies like HUD, VA, and USDA, as well as purchases or securitization by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with covered agencies required to develop implementing regulations.
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Timeline
Jun 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jul 17, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
  • June 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • July 17, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4856: Revitalizing America’s Housing Act

The Protecting Homeowners from Squatters Act

USA119th CongressHR-9472| House 
| Updated: 7/17/2026
This legislation aims to combat squatting by imposing financial penalties on local governments that are deemed to permit the practice. It defines "squatting" as unlawfully entering a property and residing there for a specified number of consecutive days without the owner's permission or a rental agreement, asserting that such actions should not confer tenant status. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development prohibit the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to units of general local government that permit squatting or grant special tenancy rights to squatters. These local governments can take corrective actions to regain eligibility, and the Secretary must publicly list non-compliant jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill prohibits various forms of Federal mortgage support for residential loans secured by properties in municipalities ineligible for CDBG funds due to squatting. This includes insurance or guarantees from agencies like HUD, VA, and USDA, as well as purchases or securitization by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with covered agencies required to develop implementing regulations.
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Timeline
Jun 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jul 17, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
  • June 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • July 17, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Financial Services Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4856: Revitalizing America’s Housing Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted