TX HB5522

Creates a new criminal offense of "squatting" for occupying another person's property without consent, classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offense, state jail felony for second offense, and third-degree felony for third or subsequent offenses

Allows property owners to seek injunctive relief (temporary restraining orders or injunctions) in court to remove unauthorized occupants from their real property

Permits property owners to seek writs of mandamus to compel prosecutors who refuse to prosecute squatting offenses to transfer prosecution to an adjoining county, or to compel courts to schedule hearings on injunction cases

Establishes a property tax credit for owners whose property is occupied without consent: a prorated credit plus two months' worth of taxes for occupancy of six months or less, or a full year's tax credit for occupancy exceeding six months

Tax credit provisions take effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature; criminal and civil remedy provisions take effect September 1, 2025