CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker has officially signed the Illinois “Squatter Bill” into law on Monday.

The law will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home, bypassing a possibly months-long eviction process

Previously, squatters were allowed to stay at the property during the court process to get them out.

The law differentiates squatters from tenants, making it easier for property owners to regain control of their home.

“This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” Pritzker said.

The law also establishes a clear distinction between lawful tenants and unlawful squatters, ensuring that property owners are no longer forced to navigate a long court process to remove unauthorized occupants.

Senate Bill 1563 passed the Illinois House in May 2025.

The bill will be effective on Jan. 1, 2026.

“I want to thank the bill sponsors, Sen. Lakesia Collins and Rep. Jawaharial Williams, for their leadership in spearheading this important legislation. This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place,” Pritzker said.

WATCH | Squatting in Illinois: A Statewide Fight

The news comes days after the I-Team reported that alleged squatters moved next-door to an Illinois state representative in Chicago.

SEE ALSO | 5 ways to protect your home, vacant property from squatters