Servicemember Residence Protection Act of 2026

Bill Number

S. 4910

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-07-07T04:53:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation aims to protect real property owned by members of the uniformed services from claims of adverse possession (commonly known as squatter's rights) under state law during periods of military service. It strengthens federal safeguards for servicemembers' homes while they are absent on duty.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 206 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3936) by adding a new subsection (d) stating that the period of a servicemember's military service cannot be counted toward any state-required time period for adverse possession of their real property.
• Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Attorney General, to update Department of Veterans Affairs websites and other relevant sites within 45 days of enactment with information on securing property during military service, leasing options, landlord-tenant rights, and related resources.

Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces federal preemption of state adverse possession statutes specifically for servicemembers' real property by tolling the statutory period during military service. This builds on the existing Servicemembers Civil Relief Act framework, which already provides various protections for servicemembers, but adds a targeted rule excluding military service time from state squatter claims.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to create and maintain new public resources, involving coordination with the Department of Justice.
• On citizens: Enhances property security for servicemembers and their families by preventing loss of title through prolonged absence.
• On international relations: None identified in the legislation.
• State property laws may face limits where they conflict with this federal rule.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Members of the uniformed services and their families who own real property.
• State governments and courts responsible for enforcing adverse possession or squatter laws.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Justice.
• Landlords, tenants, and real estate interests interacting with servicemembers' properties.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure relies on federal preemption under the Supremacy Clause to override conflicting state laws on property rights. It may raise questions about the balance between federal military protections and traditional state authority over real estate. No other constitutional or political elements are specified in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2026-06-24: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Servicemember Residence Protection Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (2 pages)