squatter.info news https://squatter.info/news.html Curated statute and official updates on property possession and unlawful occupancy. Educational publisher — not legal advice. Not an incident roundup. en-us Georgia Squatter Reform Act signed (HB 1017 / Act 581) https://squatter.info/news.html#hb-1017-signed https://squatter.info/news.html#hb-1017-signed Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT Governor Kemp signed House Bill 1017, cited as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act. The Act created a misdemeanor offense of unlawful squatting and amended civil intruder procedure. Source: Georgia General Assembly — HB 1017 (https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/66524). Unlawful squatting codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21.1 https://squatter.info/news.html#ocga-16-7-21-1 https://squatter.info/news.html#ocga-16-7-21-1 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT The criminal track is now in the Georgia Code: citation, a short window to produce authorizing documentation, and a magistrate hearing if documentation is presented. Source: Justia — O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21.1. Civil affidavit-of-intruder track amended (O.C.G.A. § 44-11-30) https://squatter.info/news.html#ocga-44-11-30 https://squatter.info/news.html#ocga-44-11-30 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT The same Act amended the civil intruder affidavit procedure, including who may exhibit the affidavit and the occupant’s opportunity to tender a counter-affidavit. Source: Justia — O.C.G.A. § 44-11-30.