The Texas Senate Committee on Local Government held a hearing this month focused on the issue of "squatters" in Texas. The committee, led by Senator Paul Bettencourt (SD-7), invited residents to share their experiences with squatters.
Sen. Bettencourt expressed his concern about the situation, stating, "this should not be happening in Texas. We are going to make it easy for homeowners and business owners to ‘Come and Take it Back' from squatters." This statement was part of a press release issued by his office.
During the May 15th hearing, Yudith Mendez testified about her personal experience with squatters. She stated, "We, the families who are raising the next American generation need protection." Mendez criticized the San Antonio Police Department for its lack of support and refusal to assist her and her husband in reclaiming their properties from squatters.
David Howard, executive director of The National Rental Home Council (NRHC), presented survey results during his testimony as per the press release. The survey conducted among NRHC members in Dallas/Ft. Worth revealed 475 squatting cases in that area alone.
Cpt. Jim Sharmon of Harris County Constable Pct. 4 also provided testimony at the hearing according to the press release. He reported that there are hundreds of squatting cases each year within just one of Harris County's eight Constable Precincts. In response to this information, Bettencourt estimated that there could be thousands of squatting cases across Harris County and up to ten thousand statewide.
The press release also detailed an incident involving Terri Boyette's home in Mesquite being taken over by a squatter who turned it into a "drug den." While Boyette was caring for her ill mother, her belongings were sold off by the squatters at a yard sale. Boyette's testimony included her claim that the Mesquite Police Department refused to arrest the squatter.
Bettencourt reacted to this, saying, "Miss Boyette testified there was a burglary. This ‘crackhead’ then entered the property and sold her belongings from the front yard for ‘drug money.’ Then JP Margaret O'Brien refused to evict the squatter over the holidays citing lack of concern on where he would go. Really? We are going to increase criminal penalties, give law enforcement the tools they need, and set up ‘rocket dockets’ for Justices of the Peace to evict squatters."
Terri Boyette's home was occupied by the squatter for over 11 months.
