Ahead of this year’s legislative session, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked state lawmakers to look for ways to “secure Texas” against the plight of people illegally occupying residential spaces. Gov. Greg Abbott also promised to tackle "the increasing problem that we face in the state caused by squatters.

The proposal is part of a push by Republican legislators aimed at helping property owners deal with squatters.

A bill by Dallas-area GOP Rep. Angie Chen Button, framed as a way to crack down on squatters, received pushback from dozens of housing advocates,

Some fear a bill introduced in the Texas Houston to reduce squatting and expedite evictions could take away some tenants' rights.