SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Georgia Senate committee is considering a bill that would remove eviction protections for those living in hotels.

The bill is called the Georgia Anti-Squatting Act of 2026. If passed, it will create a fast-tracked way for some property owners to remove squatters.

It comes after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that some people staying in hotels were legally considered tenants, forcing owners to go through the eviction process for non-payment.

New removal process for hotels

Under the new bill, owners of hotels would be able to remove squatters with less red tape. Prior legislation left what Representative Devan Seabaugh described as loopholes.

“Law enforcement, property owners and the hospitality industry have identified gaps that still prevent timely and effective removal of unauthorized occupants,” Seabaugh said.

If a person’s stay has expired, owners would file an affidavit with law enforcement. The person will be considered a trespasser and removed from the property immediately.

There must be signed paperwork clearly stating the intended end date of a stay for this route to be taken.

Tighter eviction timelines

The act also tightens the timeline for eviction removals. After a landlord wins an eviction case in court, law enforcement has two weeks to remove squatting individuals. Under the new legislation, law enforcement must act within seven days of the ruling.

Currently squatting is considered a misdemeanor. While this will remain the same, the new act sets a stricter timeline.

“The bill enhances the unlawful squatting statute by requiring alleged squatters to provide valid documentation within a defined time frame and authorizes arrest when that documentation is missing or fraudulent,” Seabaugh said.

Squatters have three days to prove legal permissions to be on the property. If you cannot prove it, you will be arrested.

While still a misdemeanor charge, squatters may now need to pay restitution to the property owner.

Bill protections and exceptions

Representative Seabaugh says the bill is balanced and fair.

“It preserves due process protects legitimate tenants with valid leases provides civil remedies for wrongful removal and includes clear safe guards for both property owners and law enforcement officers,” Seabaugh said.

There are a few exceptions as the bill is written now. Fast-tracked removal does not apply when there is a landlord-tenant relationship, the person is immediate family, there is an active lawsuit over the property or if the property was open to the public when the squatter entered.

The bill was amended and approved by the Senate Public Safety Committee Monday. It now will face the full Senate for a vote.

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