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MontanaSB 10169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise laws related to squatting

Sponsored By: Becky Beard (Republican)

Signed by Governor

PropertyCrimes

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New crimes for squatting and rental scams

The law makes unlawful squatting a misdemeanor. Courts must order payment equal to the fair market rent for the time stayed, on top of criminal penalties. Using fake papers to claim permission is forgery. If a squatter intentionally damages property, that is criminal mischief with extra penalties. It is also a crime to list or advertise property you do not own or control, with a minimum $1,000 fine, at least six months in county jail, or both.

Faster police removal of unlawful occupants

Police can immediately remove a person who is unlawfully squatting. An owner or authorized agent can ask police to remove an unauthorized person, and to stand by while locks are changed and personal items are removed. A person who cannot show authorization to be there may be removed. Permission can be a written lease, landlord permission, or tenant permission for a guest; verbal permission counts only if verified. Officers are protected by indemnity for good‑faith removals. Owners or agents who knowingly give false information must cover any damages the agency must pay.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Becky Beard

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 140

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 35 • No: 15

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 37 • No: 13

House vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 41

House vote • 3/26/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 42

Senate vote • 1/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 35 • No: 14

Senate vote • 1/23/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 35 • No: 15

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/18/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/17/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/8/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/8/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Fiscal Note Printed

    4/2/2025Senate

  7. Returned from Enrolling

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. Sent to Enrolling

    4/1/2025Senate

  9. 3rd Reading House Amendments

    4/1/2025Senate

  10. Fiscal Note Signed

    4/1/2025Senate

  11. Fiscal Note Received

    4/1/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading House Amendments

    3/31/2025Senate

  13. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    3/27/2025House

  14. 3rd Reading

    3/27/2025House

  15. 2nd Reading

    3/26/2025House

  16. Committee Report

    3/21/2025House

  17. Committee Executive Action

    3/21/2025House

  18. Hearing

    2/3/2025House

  19. Rereferred to Committee

    1/31/2025House

  20. 1st Reading

    1/27/2025House

  21. Referred to Committee

    1/27/2025House

  22. Transmitted to House

    1/27/2025Senate

  23. 3rd Reading

    1/24/2025Senate

  24. 2nd Reading

    1/23/2025Senate

  25. Committee Report

    1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/21/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/6/2025

    PDF

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