Following our 2025 update regarding BMO Bank N.A. v. Zbroszczyk, 2025 IL App (1st) 241333, the Illinois General Assembly has taken action that may significantly limit the impact of that decision.
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.
