Internet accuses Katie Hobbs of 'emboldening criminals' after she vetoes bill aimed at squatters
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Katie Hobbs, the Democratic Governor of Arizona, vetoed a bipartisan state bill aimed at strengthening the rights of homeowners looking to evict squatters from their property, on Tuesday, April 23.
According to Fox News, the Governor's decision comes at a time when rising cases of squatting continue to be a major cause of concern for homeowners across the country.
Katie Hobbs blocks bill aimed at squatters
Crafted by Senator Wendy Rogers, SB 1129 would have permitted a homeowner whose property was invaded and illegally claimed by a squatter, to request law enforcement for the immediate removal of the said squatter.
The owner would have had to submit an affidavit, acting on which the police would have had the permission to immediately go in and have someone evicted, reported Fox.
Hobbs reportedly blocked the bill in a short letter to the president of the State Senate, "Today I vetoed Senate Bill 1129. This bill fails to leverage existing legal mechanisms, respect the due process rights of lawful tenants, and minimize unintended consequences such as for victims of domestic violence."
Senator Wendy Rogers slams Katie Hobbs for blocking bipartisan bill
Rogers questioned whether Hobbs had even read the bill, stating, "This bill has absolutely nothing to do with landlord-tenant law and has exemptions for family members and anyone with an agreement to cohabitate."
"Although we have trespassing laws, it's often difficult to prove a person is unlawfully occupying a home and can result in a lengthy legal battle," she said, adding that homeowners had testified in committee hearings that they felt violated about their property being severely damaged and the high costs of doing repairs.
Laws strengthening homeowners' rights against squatters have already been passed in Florida and Georgia.
Internet accuses Katie Hobbs of 'emboldening' squatters
"Saying this bill doesn't respect the rights of lawful tenants is a bad joke. The bill is about squatters, not lawful tenants. Nor does this law change anything in our Landlord Tenant Act. Claiming this would hurt lawful tenants is like saying laws against shoplifting would harm regular shoppers," a reader commented on the Fox News website.
"Are the squatters paying property taxes and utilities? If it still falls on the owner, then what happens if the owner stops paying? Will utilities be cut off? Will property be seized for failure to pay taxes? I really do not understand how any government official can justify squatting," wrote another.
"Don't expect much to change for those blue states that regard squatters as their voters and will not pass legislation to impede on their equity acquisitions. Hobbs is one of the reasons that criminals feel emboldened to take whatever they want without paying for it. Her sense of entitlement for her horde of squatters outweighs the need for property owner to be able to protect their property," stated a third.
"This is a clear demonstration of a democrats twisted thinking. The state senate and house must override her veto immediately. This is the will of the People. Vote all democrats out in November or when they are on the ballot, and restore sanity to our states. America, Veterans, parents, homeowners FIRST," mentioned a fourth.
"Hobbs is an obstructor, not a Governor. These bills were passed by a Bi-partisan vote. Hobbs is subverting the will of the people," slammed a fifth reader.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
