UP Gazette

State Rep. Dave Prestin from Cedar River has expressed his full support for a legislative proposal aimed at safeguarding Michigan property owners from the challenges posed by illegal occupants. Prestin highlighted the importance of addressing this issue promptly to prevent it from escalating in the future.

Prestin emphasized, "The Upper Peninsula isn’t facing the same squatting crisis you’re seeing elsewhere in Michigan and across the country right now. However, we are typically several years behind the rest of the state when it comes to new problems, so it’s important we solve this issue before it gets across the bridge."

The proposed House Bill 5634 offers a streamlined process for property owners to address cases of unlawful occupation swiftly. It would empower property owners to seek assistance from their county sheriff to remove squatters from their premises promptly, with the sheriff authorized to take necessary action if the squatters refuse to vacate.

Regarding the legislation, Prestin stated, “Breaking and entering is a crime, and criminals should be dealt with the same if they’re trying to steal things from inside a home or if they’re trying to steal the home outright.” He further added, “If a property owner finds criminals illegally occupying their home, they deserve access to law enforcement with the authorization to swiftly return that property to its rightful owner.”

Prestin underlined the significance of the proposed plan in restoring the balance between criminal behavior and the rights of law-abiding homeowners. He remarked, “This plan is about common sense and fixing a system that favors criminals over law-abiding homeowners,” and continued, “Squatters convince themselves all property ownership takes is some extended trespassing. I’m proud to support a plan that allows law enforcement to address this criminal behavior and return power to our property owners.”

The bill, HB 5634, has been referred to the House Economic Development and Small Business committee for further consideration.