Relating to the unauthorized occupancy of real property and a credit against the ad valorem taxes imposed on the real property; creating a criminal offense.

HB 5522 makes unauthorized occupancy of real property a criminal offense, defining it as occupying property without the owner's consent when the occupant knows they lack permission. Property owners gain new legal tools, including the ability to seek court orders to remove occupants and compel prosecutors to act on violations. The bill also creates a tax credit for property owners whose property was occupied without consent, reducing ad valorem taxes based on the duration of the unauthorized occupancy (up to six months). This directly affects property owners seeking remedies against squatters and occupants entering property without authorization.