2025 Legislative Session
HB 202Maryland must protect property owners from squatters.
Maryland is facing a challenge that strikes at the very heart of what we hold dear — our homes, our neighborhoods, and our sense of security. During the 2025 Legislative Session, I introduced HB202 — Criminal Law – Fraud – Conveyance, Lease, or Possession of Residential Real Property, a bill designed to address the growing problem of squatting. It is a common-sense solution to protect property owners, hold criminals accountable, and restore faith in the rule of law.
- Sponsor
- Del. Ryan Nawrocki
- Committee
- Judiciary
- Session
- 2025 Regular
- Status
- Introduced
- Type
- Criminal Law
Why It Matters
Closing the gap in Maryland’s property law.
Squatting strikes at the foundations of property, neighborhood safety, and the rule of law. Maryland’s current statutes leave property owners with months of legal expense and limited remedy — even when documents are clearly forged.
HB 202 closes that gap. It defines and criminalizes the fraudulent conveyance, lease, or possession of residential real property, so that the criminal justice system — not just civil court — can respond when a homeowner is victimized.
This is a common-sense solution that protects Maryland families, holds criminals accountable, and restores faith in the rule of law — regardless of party.
What the Bill Does
Four key provisions.
Criminalizes fraudulent conveyance
Makes it a criminal offense to fraudulently convey, lease, or take possession of residential real property that belongs to another person.
Protects homeowners from fake documents
Addresses scenarios where squatters present forged deeds or fake leases — currently a gap that leaves property owners with only slow civil remedies.
Involves criminal justice, not just civil court
Gives law enforcement clear authority to act quickly, without waiting for months of civil-court proceedings to resolve.
Common-sense, bipartisan need
Property rights are a cornerstone of Maryland's communities. This legislation restores faith in the rule of law for homeowners across the state.
Baltimore Sun Op-Ed
“Maryland must protect property owners from squatters.”
— Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun
The Dossier
Read it. Track it. Speak on it.
Take Action
Help defend Maryland homeowners.
Contact the office to express your support, or read more about the legislation and other priorities from the 2025 session.