CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed the Illinois “Squatter Bill” into law on Monday.

The law will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home, bypassing months-long eviction process

Previously, squatters were allowed to stay at the property during the court process to get them out.

The law differentiates squatters from tenants, making it easier for property owners to regain control of their home.

“This outdated eviction law has treated squatters as if they are tenants, leaving property owners in an uncertain situation and restraining law enforcement,” expressed Governor JB Pritzker.

The law further creates a clear distinction between legal tenants and illegal squatters, guaranteeing that property owners won’t have to endure a lengthy court process to evict unauthorized occupants.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

Senate Bill 1563 passed the Illinois House in May 2025.

The bill will be effective on January 1, 2026.

“I express my gratitude to the bill sponsors, Sen. Lakesia Collins and Rep. Jawaharial Williams, for their leadership in driving this important legislation. This bill brings much-needed clarity, addresses hazardous legal loopholes, and assures that trespassers can’t exploit the system to postpone their removal from properties they were never entitled to occupy in the first place,” remarked Pritzker.

WATCH | Squatting in Illinois: A Statewide Fight

The law would go into effect on January 1, 2026.

The news comes the day after the I-Team reported that alleged squatters move next-door to an Illinois state representative in Chicago.