Our Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis should rush to support legislation to increase fines and sentences for criminal groups practicing organized crime and other forms of squatting (“Maryland must protect property owners from squatters,” Jan. 19). The proposed legislation for this offense apparently has flaws that garner opposition.
I understand sometimes criminals pretend to be the owner of a property and rent an unoccupied home to an unsuspecting tenant victim. Legislation forcing such families onto the street is problematic, but the law could distinguish such cases and allow a period for social services to assist such families in vacating. Also, there is an issue with police having to assume a quasi-judicial role in determining if squatting occupants are committing a crime. Again, legislation could define an expedited process allowing the rightful owner to prove ownership based on state and county records after officers obtain full identification of the alleged squatters.
The main thing is the increase of sentences and fines for these offenses. This is becoming an organized crime ring playbook because current Maryland law is so weak as to encourage the practice. Given upcoming economic realities and the inevitable increase in home vacancies, squatting will become even more prevalent. With all of the harsh economic actions our state government will be forced to impose on citizens, it would seem very prudent to look for positive actions that protect and benefit Marylanders.
Rewriting proposed anti-squatting legislation to a passable form would be an excellent place to start. The emotional and financial damage squatters impose on families and the properties they attempt to steal, occupy and damage are devastating. Maryland law must make this a crime not worth committing with a steep price for those who do.
— Ron Boone, Timonium
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