Ant Thornton, the state senator for New Mexico District 19, announced plans to reintroduce anti-squatting legislation following a neighbor's legal challenges in removing unlawful occupants.
"Squatters in New Mexico," said Anthony L. Thornton, New Mexico State Senator from 198th District (R). "Both bills were killed in committee by Democrats. Owners must hire an attorney to prove that people living on your property or in your home are squatters. I will be reviving the Squatters Bill, (maybe I will rename it “Billie's Bill”)"
In 2025, New Mexico lawmakers introduced House Bill 332 in response to increasing complaints from property owners about squatting and unauthorized occupancy. According to the New Mexico Legislature, the bill seeks to criminalize unlawful squatting, establish a process for property owners to seek damages, and allow individuals cited under the law to contest charges through a trial. The proposed legislation has sparked debate between housing advocates and property rights proponents. The bill represents a legislative effort to clarify property enforcement procedures.
New Mexico’s adverse possession law requires squatters to reside on a property for at least ten years, maintain "color of title," and pay property taxes throughout this period to gain ownership rights. Innago reports that these strict requirements make it challenging for squatters to legally claim property, offering more protection to property owners than in many other states. This legal framework significantly limits successful adverse possession cases in New Mexico.
Squatting and eviction laws vary widely across the United States. Newsweek notes that in New York, squatters who remain on a property for 30 days must be formally evicted through the court system, whereas Florida has recently enacted laws allowing faster police intervention. These variations reflect broader national debates about tenant rights and property protections.
Thornton is a Republican state senator representing New Mexico’s 19th District, elected in 2024 and sworn in at the start of 2025. According to the New Mexico Legislature, he serves on the Courts, Corrections & Justice and Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committees. Thornton has expressed strong support for protecting property owners from unlawful squatting and promoting public safety through legislative reform. His policy interests align with enhancing legal clarity and homeowner protections.
