Sen. Settle files bill in North Carolina Senate to expedite removal of unauthorized occupants

A new bill filed by State Sen. Eddie D. Settle seeks to create a streamlined procedure for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants through law enforcement intervention, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 113 on Feb. 17 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Removal of Squatters from Private Property.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes a process for the expedited removal of unauthorized individuals occupying private residential property in North Carolina. Property owners or their authorized representatives can request removal via law enforcement if specific conditions are met, including that the unauthorized occupant has no legal claim, valid lease, or payment history related to the property. An affidavit must be completed and filed with the clerk or a magistrate affirming these conditions, with a $25 fee. Within 24 hours of affidavit receipt, law enforcement is mandated to remove the unauthorized person, potentially arresting them for trespass. Property owners must change locks and the occupant’s belongings must be moved to the property line. The bill grants immunity to authorities from liability for actions taken in good faith, while also allowing remedies for wrongful removal, including compensation and penalties. The Administrative Office of the Courts is responsible for developing the affidavit form by Sept. 30, 2025. Section 1 becomes effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Michael A. Lazzara proposed the most bills (seven) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Settle graduated from Wilkes Community College in 1979 with an AA.

Settle, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 36th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Paul Newton.