Governor Pritzker has signed Illinois Senate Bill 1563 — otherwise known as the Squatter Bill — into law, which will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home. The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. 

Previously, squatters were allowed to stay at the property throughout the court process. Now, with the passing of SB 1563, squatters will be treated as trespassers and not tenants. 

The law clarifies that the Eviction Article in the Code of Civil Procedure does not prevent law enforcement from arresting squatters under the criminal code or from removing individuals or property in cases of criminal trespass.

Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker said, “Among the many bills presented this year, SB 1563 brought back private property rights that had been methodically eroded over the years. As the leading voice for protecting homeowners and private property rights in Illinois, we were proud to see this bill get across the finish line.”