Illinois Closes the Squatter Loophole in 2026
In July of 2025, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1563 into law, which will take effect January 1, 2026. What is being called the "Squatter Bill" is a significant change to Illinois law because it establishes a clear distinction between lawful tenants and unlawful squatters, which will now allow Illinois law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing charges against unlawful squatters.

