RI S2481

Defines "squatter" as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not a party to a rental agreement, not a periodic tenant, and not authorized by the property owner, landlord, or tenant to occupy the property

Creates a new misdemeanor offense for squatting, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both

Explicitly excludes squatters from tenant protections under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, meaning landlords are not required to pursue formal eviction proceedings to remove them

Authorizes property owners and landlords to seek police assistance to remove and arrest squatters for criminal trespass

Amends the existing willful trespass statute to explicitly include squatters as defined in the bill