Rep. Winslow files bill in North Carolina House to expedite squatter removal

A new bill filed by State Rep. Winslow seeks to establish a faster legal process for removing squatters from private residential properties in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 314 on March 5 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 procedure for the expedited removal of squatters from private residential properties in North Carolina. Property owners or their authorized representatives may seek the assistance of law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants who have no legal claim to the property, have not paid rent, and are not tenants under a valid lease. To initiate this process, the property owner or representative must submit a sworn affidavit to the county’s clerk of superior court or a magistrate, outlining the unauthorized status of the occupants. Law enforcement is required to act on the affidavit within 24 hours to remove the squatters, with provisions to arrest individuals for trespassing if applicable. The bill indemnifies law enforcement and judicial officers involved in the process, provided their actions are in good faith, while allowing affected persons to pursue civil action for wrongful removal. The bill is set to become effective Oct. 1, 2025.

A related bill, SB 113, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Eddie D. Settle (and two others) on Feb. 17, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Winslow and Tricia Ann Cotham proposed the most bills (nine) 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.

Winslow graduated from East Carolina University with a BS.

Winslow, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 7th House district, replacing previous state representative Lisa Barnes.