Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign Senate Bill 1563, or the Squatter Bill, into law.

The bill addresses the squatter problem in Illinois, making it easier for police to remove squatters from someone's home, bypassing the months-long eviction process.

Currently, squatters can stay at a property during the required court process.

State Representative La Shawn Ford took to social media to express gratitude on the bill's passing, saying in part, "Help is on its way. Thank you to the General Assembly for passing the bill to eliminate the legal standing of squatters in Illinois, and to the Governor for announcing he will sign the squatter bill into law." 

A spokesperson for Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), who is the lead sponsor of the bill, also responded to the announcement, saying:

"Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home. Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property. We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process."

A spokesperson for Pritzker said he will sign the bill, but did not share a timeline for when.

The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.