Fetterman Tears Into ‘Squatters Rights’ Laws, Soft-on-Crime Policies

He called it a case of “just breaking the law.”

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) walks toward the Senate Chambers in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 2024. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has blasted the idea of “squatter’s rights,” questioning the laws that allow interlopers on a property to claim ownership over its rightful owner, calling it a case of “just breaking the law.”

Squatter rights laws allow anyone illegally occupying another person’s property to claim ownership if they are not evicted after a certain amount of time. Also known as adverse possession laws, these laws are in effect in all 50 U.S. states but enforcement differs significantly.