PHX Reporter

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening homeowner property rights and combating squatting, much to the disappointment of Republican lawmakers in Arizona. The bill, SB 1129, was designed to expedite the removal of criminals who unlawfully occupy homes and protect the rights of homeowners.

Senator Wendy Rogers, who spearheaded the bill, expressed her frustration with the veto, stating, "Criminals are scheming to take over homes that aren't theirs, posing a threat to the safety of homeowners and infringing on their private property rights." She emphasized the challenges faced by homeowners in proving unlawful occupation and the need for a more efficient process for removing squatters.

Senator Justine Wadsack shared a personal experience, recalling a terrifying encounter with a squatter while showing a home to a client. Wadsack highlighted the safety concerns posed by squatters and the importance of protecting homeowners from such intrusions. She emphasized, "Nobody should ever be allowed to live in and occupy another person's home without their permission."

In response to the veto, Senator Rogers criticized Governor Hobbs' reasoning, stating, "In her veto letter, Katie Hobbs claims this bill fails to protect the rights of lawful tenants and minimize unintended consequences for victims of domestic violence." Rogers clarified that the bill specifically targets illegal occupants and is not related to landlord-tenant law, with provisions in place to exempt certain individuals.

The veto of SB 1129 has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who viewed the bill as a common-sense measure to address the growing issue of squatting in Arizona. Despite the setback, efforts to combat squatting and protect homeowner property rights are expected to continue among legislators.

For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov